President’s Corner – August 2025 – The Growing Pains of Living in a Developing Community

If you’ve ever felt like the sound of a construction truck backing up is the unofficial soundtrack of your day, you’re not alone. Living in a developing community like Viera comes with its fair share of growing pains: construction traffic, temporary road closures, views that change overnight, and a steady hum of progress from sunrise to sunset. It’s not always easy, and I get it because I live here too.

As neighbors, we’re all navigating the same evolving landscape. That corner lot you once looked out on might now be a bustling home site. In every new area, the view eventually changes into something else. The quiet street you walk your dog on might have construction vehicles lining it from morning until the end of the workday. It can be frustrating, inconvenient, and, let’s be honest, a bit loud. But here’s the good news: it’s temporary. Every hammer swing and truckload of materials is part of something bigger, something lasting. Those construction vehicles will eventually give way to families riding bikes, neighborhood gatherings at new parks, and friends chatting at new mail kiosks or amenity centers.

Viera is designed to grow thoughtfully, with purpose and pride. And while change can be hard, it’s also a sign of vitality. Our community is thriving, and each new home, road, and amenity is part of what makes Viera one of the most sought-after places to live.

And let me be clear, Viera’s master plan has been around since 1989 and we have always known what Viera was going to become. I am still astounded at the number of comments on social media about “stop building” or “bring back the cows”. Really? Viera is just a smidge over halfway through development. So, that means more people, more houses, more development, more traffic, just… more. That has always been the plan and we have never hidden that fact. It’s out there for anyone to see.

Many of us love to see what is coming next and can’t wait for the next ________ (fill in the blank) to open. However, the truth is, Viera is not for everyone, and that’s OK. Just like Miami is not for everyone or Raiford, Florida (224 residents) is not for everyone either. Criticizing the inevitable or not wanting development to happen in Viera is just not realistic. We will continue to grow in every way that the word “grow” means.

What can we do in the meantime?

• Be patient and kind with construction workers, with your neighbors, hospitality and store workers, and with yourself. Give a polite waive or a thank you. As hot as it is right now, some of our construction and service folks would appreciate a bottle of water or Gatorade while they are working outside in these crazy hot conditions.
• Stay informed. Passing along incorrect information can cause undue stress to others. This includes both social media and your family/friends. Sign up for newsletters and like social media pages from trusted sources that have the information you want. Don’t spread rumors, especially those that are not true.
• Adjust your routines. Find a quieter and more peaceful location to walk or de-stress. Our area is filled with trails and natural areas to explore.
• Use this time to explore other areas of Viera that are completed and have more mature landscapes to explore. You will see why the construction anxiety was all worth it. Visit a different park, attend a community event or fundraiser, or put your energy into volunteering for a local group that needs your help.
• Remember that progress always comes before polish.

The landscape around us may look different from one month to the next but one thing stays the same: we’re all building something special here. And when the dust settles (literally), we think you’ll agree it was worth the wait.

So, until next time, remember, “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” – Joyce Meyer

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.