Laserfiche WebLink
being made for the "little" guy. As a pastor, he deals with people who are looking for assistance to <br />pay their rents and utilities. He did not see anything wrong with the 50 -foot lots or even <br />manufactured home communities. He believed that people are being forced into living in larger <br />spaces than they need and into buying larger lots than they want. <br />Upon questioning, Pastor Scent replied that his lot is a 100 -foot lot and he wished it were <br />smaller so he wouldn't have to cut so much grass. <br />Keith Pelan, Vice President of Kimley-Horn, representing the applicant, stated that this <br />proposed PD project would replace 6 standard subdivisions which is what will go on the property <br />if this project is not accepted. The plan originally called for 42 -foot lots which have been increased <br />to 50 feet. On 33rd Street, there is a canal, plus a proposed wall, plus a 25 -foot buffer. He believed <br />this is a really good transition for this area and the project has met all the requirements. The 31St <br />Street half streets are disconnected and the applicant is willing to do whatever is necessary regarding <br />the drainage. He realized that 463 units sounds like a lot but the Commissioners need to remember <br />that this is a 40 -acre project. <br />Commissioner Neuberger stated that he lives on a large lot but believes that people are <br />looking for smaller properties. He also noted that the City of Vero Beach is full of 50 -foot lots. <br />Chairman Macht pointed out that a lot of people from South Florida are moving north to <br />escape the run-down condition of projects like this and emphasized that the City of Vero Beach has <br />put an end to 50 -foot lots. <br />Gary Rosen, of Real Estate Development & Investment, 1515 N. Federal Highway, Boca <br />Raton, stated that their research indicates that some people are coming from South Florida but <br />many more are coming from the northeast to take advantage of the amenities attached to these <br />projects, as well as the maintenance -free living. There are a lot of 55 and over people who want <br />affordable, maintenance -free housing such as this project. He also noted that 50% of this project is <br />comprised of open space. Also the wetlands and uplands are being preserved. <br />Commissioner Adams questioned the average price of the proposed homes, and Mr. Rosen <br />responded that those nearest to the Mall will be in the $200,000 range while the larger lots will <br />increase to the $300,000 range. <br />APRIL 22, 2003 15 <br />