7/22/2003 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Chairman Macht opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard regarding this matter. Attorney Michael O'Haire, Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, represents a developer, Mr. Sullivan of Moto, Inc., who is considering the development of an industrial park of 50 to 60 acres located on the south side of SR -60, west of I-95. The proposal outlined by staff puts a larger industrial park, subsidized by the County, in direct competition with his client. His client has spent over 7 figures preparing to develop this project and is prepared to take all of the risk but it is extremely disheartening to see the County creating a monopoly. His client's project meets all of the requirements with the exception of the 100 -acre size. His client deserves to have the same advantages as this developer who comes from outside the County. Director Keating stated that staff is encouraged to see the Moto project come in but staff had to determine a cut-off size and Mr. O'Haire's client's project will actually be more commercial than industrial in use. Guy Barber, Vero Beach, spoke in opposition to offering any incentives to a developer and felt that any plans to attract industry to the County only cost the taxpayers more money. He cited the County gun range as an example and felt that if any utilities needed to be installed, the developer should pay for such installations. Richard T. Ferry, President of VaUean Corporation, 1785 South Patrick Drive, Melbourne, stated that he was unable to do business in this County because of the wage rates. He felt that those rates are set by competition and not by city or county governments. He inquired about the average wage in Indian River County and, Director Keating responded that the average annual wage in this County is about $28,000. Mr. Ferry stated that he had been in business 35 years and not one of his production workers is making $28,000 a year. George Beutell, 5000 161'' Street, felt it is unfair to other sites in the County to restrict the acreage to 100 acres and asked what would happen to developers who only have 20, 30 or 40 acres. He felt it would be better to have many more smaller sites. He also pointed out that the industrial JULY 22, 2003 2