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As a resident of On Top of the World Central, Ocala, FL, I am deeply concerned about the recent decision to rezone our area for apartment construction. This decision directly impacts my fellow senior citizens living in the On Top of the World community. When we purchased our homes, we were assured that this area was zoned commercial - a fact that was welcomed by us all as this area needs goods and services. 

The advent of apartments will necessitate the building of a security wall between OTOW and the apartments and enhanced security at our gate nearby, raising assessments to senior citizens who are already on a fixed income and being burdened by inflationary increases in monthly assessments. This is simply unaffordable for us. In addition, the senior residents, some of our oldest and with health issues, are fearful of the lack of security the "buffer" affords as well as the increased noise. They feel this will affect their health and well being. 

Furthermore, there are serious environmental concerns associated with this rezoning. The removal of retention ponds to make way for apartments will likely lead to increased flooding which already occurs at the entrance of On Top of the World community due to runoff, especially during heavy downpours. This not only poses a threat to our common area properties and assessments, but also makes it difficult for senior residents like myself who may have mobility issues or get caught in flood waters or be unable to leave during a weather or medical emergency. 

The proposed rezoning will result in major traffic delays and congestion in an already congested area.  Currently, it sometimes takes 2-3 light changes to get out of the community. In addition the crossroads created by the apartment entrance will greatly impact our ingress and egress. The impact on senior citizens like us would be significant as it would make it harder for us to carry out daily activities and access essential services. The residents are very active at the time that the apartment families will be leaving for work, children going to school, the introduction of school busses and bus stops, at a time when most residents are going to medical appointments for care. This would be a major impact on the resident's quality of life. Also, as per the MCSO, the sheriff's department isn't equipped to handle the current traffic much less the addition of 300+ families. RT 200 is a very dangerous highway for children to be playing by and having access to. 

In addition, the change would remove the opportunity for the senior residents to have access to new retail and services that should build and occupy the space. Many residents rely upon golf carts to get to the businesses around the entrance and this would severely reduce the future opportunity for convenient access for our elderly residents.

Marion County also does not have the budget to support development and tax increases will further impact Seniors on a fixed income.

We urge local authorities to reconsider this decision taking into account its potential impact on traffic congestion, environmental sustainability and most importantly on the lives of senior citizens who call On Top Of The World Ocala home.

Please sign this petition if you believe that our voices should be heard and considered before such impactful decisions are made. No donation to change.org is necessary.