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I think JimNisbet summed up the article nicely, albeit unintentionally perhaps.. Until there is a clear explanation of the costs and benefits of annexation, the decision should be delayed. Apopka is going through a period of tremendous growth and expansion, and that could be a great financial windfall to the property owners in South Apopka- but could also bring about rapid gentrification to that area and thereby push out many lower income residents. Prior to annexation, a growth and development plan specific to South Apopka should be created by the city to ensure that future development in that area would be required to produce low-income housing opportunities at the same time the planned development moves forward , and also would provide assistance for existing small businesses to help them apply for loans and grants to make needed improvements so they aren't simply crushed by new commercial and retail development.

The city could create a small and temporary department to research and create educational materials. This team could perform a door-to-door canvas of the area to learn how many residents are property owners versus renters, the number and types of small businesses and if those own or rent, etc.. The city should also consider putting some additional impact fees in place on new developments throughout the city- to help fund needed improvements to South Apopka (if annexation is approved in the future). You don't want to stop development, but there isn't any reason that current developers can't pay reasonable fees to benefit a local area that truly needs help.

There is no doubt in my mind that Apopka is going to continue to expand, simply due to the convenience of the expressways now connecting this area. That growth will continue to push north and east towards Lake and Seminole counties. The question is simply if the city and its residents want to allow one small central area to remain stagnant and be a focus point for poverty and crime- or if they want to actually have a plan in place to help that area move forward into the future as well.