Some fighting Crystal River annexation

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

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The McPheeters' home could be annexed into the city.
Crystal River city leaders voted 4-1 Monday to move forward with annexing 500 acres of land just south of the Crystal River city limits.

The land includes a shopping center and homes.

Some residents say they plan to oppose the move.

The McPheeters own and live inside the shopping center, and their home could be annexed into the city if the city gets its way.

"We already have a water and sewer system here," said Renee McPheeter. "We don't need city services."

Their opposition could put a wrench in the city's annexation plans, because state law says if registered voters living in the proposed annexation area are against it, city leaders must reconfigure the annexation map so those voters are not included.

"I'm sure if any of the city council members who voted for annexation last night owned property here, they would not want to be annexed," said McPheeter. "How about going by the golden rule?"

City leaders say annexation is a good financial move for the city, but eye doctor Thomas Dawson sees it differently.

"It's not a good thing for our area," said Dawson. "It's not what we are all about."

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The land scheduled for annexation is along U.S. 19.

Dawson's business is included in the mile-long stretch along U.S. 19 that is slated for annexation.

"It will promote the demise of our environment here," said Dawson.

Dawson thinks the city has its eye on the land so it can make way for a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

"In return for our taxes, we will get nothing," said Dawson. "But the bigger reason why we are fighting this is because we are trying to protect our environment and our city. Urban sprawl is bad."

Dawson is part of an anti-annexation group. He says his group plans to file a lawsuit against the city in the coming weeks.

Opponents have 30 days to challenge the validity of the annexation before it goes into effect.

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