During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding aggressive development practices in the city, particularly focusing on changes to the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. Hernando Barreto, a resident, criticized a developer's actions that he claimed undermined the two-year effort to establish a comprehensive plan. He highlighted a controversial zoning change that allowed building heights to increase from 11 to 24 floors in the basin area, which he argued was made without proper consideration and by a developer who is neither a property owner nor a resident.

Barreto pointed out that the city attorney permitted a zoning change vote to proceed with only three votes in favor, despite requiring a supermajority for such decisions. He accused the developer of employing tactics to bypass necessary legal requirements, including failing to amend city code to enforce the supermajority rule.

The discussion escalated when the city attorney defended the legality of the proceedings, stating that the mayor's absence did not invalidate the vote and that Barreto's legal interpretations were not valid. The attorney emphasized that he represents the board and the city, not individual residents.

Further contributions from citizens included concerns about the financial motivations behind recent annexations and tax increases, with one resident noting a 250% tax hike linked to development projects. Another speaker, William Prebatel, suggested reimagining the Bayshore zone to enhance community benefits, emphasizing that the focus should not solely be on building height but on improving project quality for all stakeholders involved.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community members advocating for responsible development and city officials navigating legal frameworks and developer interests.