Seeking help fighting zoning change

[MazzyMal]

The proposed Zoning change on the table in Panama Park right now would mean 2 vacant (yet certainly salvagable) houses are leveled to become parking lots.

These proposed parking lots are surrounded by homes. The property owners want to maximize their riverfront property (already zoned to accomodate parking) and want this zoning change in order to make room for parking lots accross the street (NOT already zoned for parking!) from their proposed marina (and my home!).

These parking lots can easily encourage criminal gathering and activities, vehicle noise, car alarms, doors slamming, garbage, increased traffic. Would you enjoy living next to a parking lot or two? I love the idea of the marina, but do think they should scale down their project to fit within their allowed current zoning.

I am looking for any information on parking lots affecting residences (statistics, development studies, etc..) or people interested in helping to oppose this zoning change as I think it will negatively impact the surrounding homes just as we are working hard to bring this neighborhood back up.

We already have a petition with 44 signatures but not much experience opposing zoning issues.

Public Hearings on this application are November 13, 15 & 20.

Anybody out there with ideas........suggestions?

[eyesoftheworld]

who is the petitioner?