During a recent government meeting in Dade City, officials and community members engaged in a robust discussion about pressing local issues, including school capacity, affordable housing, and land use policies.

A key concern raised was the capacity of local schools to accommodate the city's growth. Officials confirmed that while there are plans to build additional schools, these will likely be located outside city limits due to land availability. Current expansions include a new cafeteria and classroom wing at Pasco High School, aimed at increasing capacity where feasible.

Community members expressed frustration over the lack of affordable housing, questioning the effectiveness of current policies. One resident highlighted that new homes are being priced above $300,000, making them unaffordable for many local families. The discussion emphasized the need for a clearer definition of \"affordable housing\" and accountability for builders to ensure that new developments meet community needs.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of new construction on local parks, with residents noting that current impact fees for new developments are significantly lower than those in neighboring counties. This discrepancy has led to calls for a reassessment of the fees to better support local infrastructure.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the importance of maintaining equitable land use policies. Residents urged the city to establish stronger guidelines to protect against unchecked development, particularly in underserved areas. The potential for eminent domain actions by the county over city property was also a point of concern, prompting discussions about the legality and implications of such moves.

In response to the affordable housing issue, city officials noted ongoing partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which have resulted in the construction of 172 affordable homes in the area. However, the community remains skeptical about whether these efforts adequately address the housing crisis.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective desire for more strategic planning and accountability in Dade City's growth, with a focus on ensuring that development benefits all residents.