Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers of Palmetto Bay.
I respectfully request that you do not approve the establishment of a school in this residential area. I have lived in this neighborhood for the past 24 years and have experienced the many changes in Palmetto Bay.
Establishing a school in this lot will change the quiet and safe atmosphere we currently have. The request submitted to you today by Palmetto Bay Academy states a maximum of 22 students, but we know that this is just the beginning. Once they have approval to establish the school, it will be easier to increase capacity. This is a for-profit educational facility, and they will enroll more students if they have the opportunity to profit. This business is not thinking about what is best for our neighborhood, but what is best for them. There are more appropriate locations in Palmetto Bay where this school could be established without changing or waving land development codes and requirements that are set for school structures.
I also plead for you to consider the risks involved in establishing a school in this lot. Unfortunately, school violence has increased in our society, and it is something that must be considered when making this decision. I kindly request that you take all the factors into account and deny this petition. Don’t sacrifice the quality of living of the residents of Palmetto Bay to benefit a business that has other options to continue to operate and expand.

As a resident of 158 st, I strongly oppose the approval of this variance. This street has already seen increased non-resident traffic with either dealership test drives or individuals looking to steal packages and mail. It is no longer safe for my kids to play in front of the house on their bikes without cones blocking the streets. The building of the school will most certainly increase traffic, either with drop off and pick, the staff or people interested in touring the school. This neighborhood is not built to withstand commercial units and completely changes the fabric of what drives people to Palmetto Bay. The quiet safe atmosphere is why it is such a great neighborhood for families. Approving this variance sets the president for more commercial businesses in these residential streets. This would be a sad day in Palmetto Bay history if this school is allowed in a residential neighborhood. Commercial units in Palmetto Bay within a commercially zoned area have been forced to close due to the impact to the surrounding area. Allowing this plot of land to be rezoned to allow a school unacceptable.