In an age where online media often speaks louder than traditional forms of campaigning, The Apopka Voice has taken the reins of local democracy by hosting a digital forum for the 2024 Apopka City Commission candidates.
Here's how it works...
Each day this week, The Apopka Voice will ask the candidates one question pertaining to the biggest issues facing Apopka. All five candidates are given the opportunity to answer. The Apopka Voice will publish their responses each day.
Readers can compare and contrast each answer and decide which candidates best share their values and vision for Apopka. You can also ask questions under the article on our news site or Facebook page.
In an era where the online realm is increasingly the epicenter of civic engagement, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap between candidates and constituents, fostering an interactive and transparent dialogue that transcends the boundaries of traditional campaigning.
It's like a debate, town hall, and interview all wrapped into one.
The second question put before the candidates is about the Apopka City Center.
"The Apopka City Center has languished for years. As a commissioner, what would you do to get it moving forward?"
Here is what the candidates think about the Apopka City Center:
Eric Mock, candidate for Seat #4:
"This question, I’m sure, is on the minds of many Apopka residents as they commute on Hwy 441 and Hwy 436. I attended the groundbreaking and was excited to see what was planned for the City Center area. Months went by before the short black screen was put up, and I thought, “they will start the groundwork soon.” After several months of no groundwork and then the removal of the black screen, I really began to wonder.
The answer to this question is one of my campaign pledges. I’d like to provide quarterly updates on projects that the council has approved. After my first run for seat 4, I was determined to gain as much knowledge as possible in understanding the process of development in Apopka. Development Review Committee, Planning Council, and lastly the City Council are just a few of the steps in developing a project here in Apopka.
A short 3-4 minute update during the Commissioners Report would provide updates and not leave us hanging as to why, when, and what happened.
One of the first things I’d do as a Commissioner is inquire of the Planning Department as to the progress of the City Center project. I’d follow protocol to ensure not to overstep council responsibilities and ask for an update meeting with the developer. My goal would be to understand where the project is in the development cycle. What are the bumps in the road, so to speak? Is there something that I as a commissioner can help with?
Communication is key. If there is an impasse, can I help get both sides talking again to get the project back on track and completed? In the City Charter question, maybe there should be additional expectations within the Charter/code to better define timelines to all parties when it comes to development in Apopka. What should next steps be if there is an impasse? Both parties want the same thing, great looking, completed projects in a timely manner."
Commissioner Nick Nesta, incumbent candidate for Seat #4
"The City of Apopka needs to review its comp plan and make the necessary adjustments so that we can demand the developers adhere to what our residents are calling for. I consistently hear from residents about the need for better infrastructure, affordable housing, more restaurants, fewer car washes, and more connectivity.
The one thing I hear the most is they want a City Center. Somewhere to walk, window shop, get a coffee or wine/beer, meet friends, and be a community. Our “City Center” has been in the works for many years, with a hotel and fountain to show for it. Both are nice, but our City wants more and was promised more. A strong comp plan, LDC, and code of ordinances would have ensured this project already be completed and as promised to the residents.
The City of Apopka must work to bring in what our residents are asking for and have the developers do the same. As we continue to see more development, we must be mindful of how our future looks, not just five years from now but 25 years and beyond."
Nadia Anderson, candidate for Seat #3:
"I would start by reviewing the previous agreement and the current signed agreement and meet with the investors to prioritize a comprehensive revitalization plan. That may include more public-private partnerships, or we may learn government regulations are hindering quality development. We must also return civility to our commission meetings. Out-of-state investors do their homework and usually start by reviewing a city’s commission meetings. I have knowledge of a couple of potential investors who are not considering Apopka for just that. We must change that for the betterment of Apopka."
Darryl Richardson, candidate for Seat #3:
"The current state of the Apopka City Center is a black eye on our community. It has been touted by City Hall for the past handful of years as the next big thing for our town but has been nothing short of a major letdown. The Hilton and the Winn-Dixie are nice but definitely not what the residents of the city were looking for when rumors of this grand city center started floating around.
To get this project moving forward at a faster pace, and with the types of amenities and destinations our city needs, I would implore all current sitting commissioners and those elected in March to keep this topic at the center of what is being discussed at each and every Council meeting. The state of the City Center needs to be included in every commissioner's report at each meeting to make sure the discussion moves forward and doesn’t lose traction. If elected, I will make sure to bring this to the table every opportunity I get to make sure consistent pressure is being applied in the necessary directions so the residents of Apopka can see the things getting done that they want and our city needs.
I also think hiring the approved Economic Development Director, which we have been waiting on for almost a year, will help keep the ball moving on projects like this and help ensure that the right businesses for Apopka are going in."
Tomorrow's Question:
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