Haines City warns developers it lacks water capacity | Exclusive
Haines City has already stretched its potable water and wastewater capacity beyond its regulatory limits, but has found a way to continue approving new construction — at the developers' own risk. City Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 5 to approve a Concurrency Developer Agreement for all new construction applications going forward. Haines City officials admit they cannot guarantee when the city will have adequate drinking water or wastewater services available, and are putting developers on notice. "We have recognized the deficiencies in our utility system," Interim City Attorney Seth Claytor said. "Until that is resolved, no vertical construction would be approved. " It's a workaround to prevent implementing a moratorium on new development as the city faces water shortages and infrastructural strain on its wastewater system. Developers who sign the agreement have to agree to hold the city and its employees harmless, aiming to limiting their ability to sue if projects get stranded. "It's the best protection I can give the municipality," Claytor said. Deputy City Manager James Keene said any developments applying for approvals will be required to sign it, understanding that they can begin paperwork and horizontal development such as laying or relocating utilities, paving roads, curbs and
