The new Melbourne
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7/15/2005
What once used to be a very cool little town, is now struggling with over-development and greed. Before the housing boom of 2004, one could live on the low wages, because housing costs were very low. Not now- housing has tripled and wages have remained the same or gone down. Therefore only out-of-towners can now afford to buy homes here. And this leads to the lack of community spirit. Natural resources are being wiped out as neighbourhood after neighborhood gets quickly built by low skilled day labor types. And your really lucky if they leave a tree standing as they cement everything. The beaches are crowded out by Condos, and visited by non-respectful litterers. Traffic is horrendous as our city planners, build housing first- and then they come back later and add roads. Traffic laws are ignored and Melbourne's drivers are very close to being as aggressive and offensive as in Jacksinville and Miami. There are some small groups working hard to save some endangered lands, but "big money" wins most of the battles. On a Positve note; check out the Brevard Zoo, the US's only community built animal park and funded through donations. If you enjoy paddling, Turkey Creek and Sebastian River rank very highly. Beware though, Melbourne has lost it's charm, beauty and affordability.
Charles | Melbourne, FL