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JAN 2'7198'k e06K = 48 FAiGE 9 . Ray Fernald, president of the Audubon Society, and incorporated by reference those comments made by the public and professionals earlier today as related to the marina and the proposed cut through Jungle Trail. PELICAN ISLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY P. 0. Box 1833 VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32960 t December 23, 1981 Mr. Patrick Lyons Chairman Indian River County Board of County Commissioners Indian River County Courthouse Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Re: An Appeal regarding the County Planning and Zoning, Commission's decision of site plan approval for the River Bend Yacht Club, as. rendered 17 December 1981. Dear Chairman Lyons and Members of the Commission: Whereas, the Planning Department, in determining that tllg Count" Commission should review aspects of this site plan proposal and render a decision prior to project consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission, was not prepared to present its findings and rebuttal rt-gardirb the yacht club site plan. In effect, the Planning and Zoning Commission rendered its opinion without hearing and considering the Planning Department's recommendations. And, whereas, the biological assessment prepared by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission at the personal request of the Planning Department's Director was not circulated to the Placnii.g and Zoning Commission before the meeting of December 17. As a resu-t, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted on an issue they admittedly: dial not understand, without seeking -further pertinent information and technical advice which were readily available from local, State and Federal agencies i and organizations. And, whereas, Pelican Island Audubon Society and the Florida Grime and Fresh Water Fish Commission were advised by the Planning Department Director that, at the December 17 meeting of the Planning an•l Zoning Commission, the yacht club site plan was not going to be discussed, but simply referred to the County Commission for review. Pelican Island Audubon Society was 'further advised that, since there would be no decision reached, the Society should reserve its comments for presentation to the County Commission. And, whereas, Mrs. Ann Robinson, Conservation Chairman for Pelican Island Audubon Society, was not permitted to pres.nit the Society's view regarding the yacht club site plan during discussion of the motion to approve the site plan. And, where: s, thn applicant.';; represcnt:ative at the December 17 meeting of the Planning and Z.onlnf; G)mmissfrin implied that the Florida Game andrFresh Water. Fish Commission was not qualified to assess the marina plan, and stated that their comments were inappropriate at that time. In fact, the letter from Mr. Barnett which was read into the minutes was specifically solicited by the County Planning Department Director for use in preparation of their recommendation. The present office staff of the South Florida Section, Office of Envirottmental Services, of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has over 45 years cumulative experience in assessing ecological impacts of dredge and fill activities, including water quality impacts of marina basins. And, whereas, other. pertinent information including resolutions of objection, and personal letters from concerned citizens were not presented at the December 17 neeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Therefore, the Board of. Directors of Pelican Island Audubon Society hereby appeals to the 'Indian River G)unty Board of Commissioners to review the actic•n of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the River. Bend Yacht Club Site Plan, as taken on 17 December 1981. We further petition the Board 'of (ouuty Commissioners to hold a public hoarinp on this site plan, or to remand the site plan to the Planning --nd Zorin;; Commission for reconsideration. I Filed with the Indian River County Building Department on 23 December ' ugl. Sincerely fours, _ Pelienn 1r0i:nld. ProsidW I'elicnn L;land Audubon