Alan, I was there. Honestly, and I have no stake in Driftwood Estates and have only tip of the iceberg knowledge about your neighborhood other than it having severe drainage challenges ('nuisance drainage' per the county) and I was really hesitant to speak up on behalf of the bay because the plight of fish seemed like small potatoes compared to what you and your neighbors are experiencing. I had to go when the five minute break was called, and really, I had a feeling the issue was settled in the BCC's eyes at that point anyway. Could you outline what happened after the meeting resumed?
My impression is that the Driftwood residents and the BCC exist in different realities. I thought it was pretty amazing that the old BCC minutes documented resolutions that never took place, and the BCC attitude was kind of "so what?".
I really feel for you. Coming from New Orleans, I am familiar with the idea of man made versus natural disaster. The mantra after Katrina was that the city flooding was man made due to faulty levees and other engineering folly. The counterpoint, and it was evident in the room last night, was "you guys built in a swamp, deal with it". (Nice to know Mrs Comander lives on a hill, right?) My guess is that Driftwood will be bothered with bad drainage that will only get worse until there is a huge flood event and massive property damage will occur.
I don't know what else can be done legally short of Ivory Billed woodpeckers being discovered nesting back on some of the yet to be developed lots preventing any development. I guess the only viable option is to start lawsuits to gum things up and hopefully win. Also, could you please explain the new state laws that might benefit your cause?
