As a proud resident of Bartow of 34 years, like many of my family and friends, I've been witnessing how our beloved city had lost its small-town charm. New housing and apartment developments have sprouted up across town without corresponding improvements to our infrastructure such as schools, fire and police department growth, road repair and traffic management, ect. As I know that this new prosed development is promising infrastructure improvements we the people of Bartow feel that this will not be a positive impact for the cities benefit at this time.

Now, the city is at a crossroads, with the potential addition of 2,245 new homes along SR 60 that will be up for vote with the city's zoning committee. While we understand that development brings infrastructure updates, our town can hardly keep up with the existing population. We need to address and fix the present issues before introducing more housing and more people into our beautiful small town.

We look back fondly on Bartow's past when it had a small-town feel, but that image is eroding. We need to resist further urban sprawl that threatens our community's unique character. More so, our city's infrastructure needs time to catch up and provide the services and security that every resident deserves.

Every signature represents a voice heard and a step towards preserving the charm and familial spirit of Bartow. We request the Bartow zoning committee to reject the proposed housing development along SR 60 - not until our existing problems are solved. It is our right to ensure that any development aligns with the best interest of the current residents. Please sign this petition and take a stand for Bartow. Stand-up for quality over quantity, sustainability over reckless growth.