Laserfiche WebLink
property. He gave a full explanation of the Bert Harris Act and advised that it could <br />become very expensive for the County to buy up all the undeveloped property in the <br />county. <br />Chairman Macht maintained the real problem with the Bert Harris Act is that it takes <br />away the ability for the Board to utilize the Aup to@ unless there is some compelling public <br />reason for limiting the applicant=s request. <br />County Attorney Collins counseled that the Board could approve lesser densities <br />than the maximum based on concurrency or compatibility issues, and cautioned that they <br />need to make sure there is good and competent evidence to support their reasoning. <br />Vice Chairman Ginn thought the Board needed to do this more often. <br />Information and discussion ensued about the Bert Harris Act. <br />Commissioner Lowther stressed that our Comprehensive Plan needs changing, and <br />Vice Chairman Ginn agreed we need to get started in January on a review of our <br />Comprehensive Land Use Plan. <br />Frank Bordo, Arbor Trace development, new to Vero Beach, maintained that <br />something either grows or it dies. He believed it is important how you plan growth and is <br />important how the P & Z works with those involved. He strongly suggested a design group <br />be employed to plan growth to create the environment desired. <br />Chairman Macht was concerned there might be a misconception that the <br />Commission is trying to stop growth. He believed the Board is not against growth but <br />would like to have it more restrained. There is also the concern that some not so nice things <br />are going to come along with the growth. Some hard decisions need to be made or the bulk <br />of the county will be overwhelmed. <br />Vice Chairman Ginn believed the current rate of growth is beyond what we have <br />seen in the past. <br />December 2, 2003 <br />13 <br />