12/23/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Macht favored the visioning process. He thought our Comp Plan is okay and that our whole difficulty stems from the Bert Harris Act (BHA). Commissioner Adams thought the MPO-LRTP is the way to go. She was unsure how she wanted the county to look, but knows what she does not like. Vice Chairman Ginn thought the Commissioners know what needs to be done by pulling out the land use sections of the Comprehensive Plan that need revising. She suggested workshops with the Planning & Zoning Commission in order for both groups to get a complete understanding of the BHA. She also thought they need to look at specific things they found troublesome, such as The Palms, and correct whatever regulation caused it to happen. She believed that no developer should be given an increase in density for donating roads he needs for his development. County Attorney Collins explained the Bert Harris Act which was followed by a discussion and speculation on how to proceed. Gary Wheeler was of the opinion that the BHA should be one of the criteria for making decisions on what the future development should be in this county. The Commissioners have to do what they believe is right for the community and defend their decision when someone disagrees or sues. Many lawsuits occur because it is more economical to settle than go to court. Mr. Williams thought that visioning should be for county and cities tied together. He urged them to be aggressive on legal action and to appeal to local state representatives to make a case for us to have the right to control our destiny. Planning Director Stan Boling noted that The Palms received their density bonus for right-of-way donated in the 1980's when Indian River Boulevard was first established. The County had to honor that agreement; the right-of-way was the road we have been driving on for all these years. We still have the LDR there. December 23, 2003 0