7/17/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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J. A L 17' 1990 Commissioner Scurlock stated that he had read the memo from Attorney Collins, and his answer to Attorney O'Haire's question is "Yes." I Chairman Eggert opened the Public..Hearing, and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Richard H. Baker, Ph.D., 6945 43rd Avenue, director of the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, fully supported the Planning & Zoning Commission's 4-1 recommendation for denial of the rezoning. He objected to the proposed densities because of the traffic congestion that would be created with 600 residential units with an average of two vehicles per unit, plus visitors, and he felt the Lab's program itself would be greatly affected if this request is approved. At the Lab, they raise and work on mosquitos and sandflies to find ways to control them without requiring the use of chemicals. They serve the county with mosquito control. They have many visitors who share experiences regarding the wetlands and mosquitos; they also work with schools as the area is an asset in educating children. It is a clean industry and the Lab employs 45 to 50 people with a $1.5 million budget. He pointed out that the more people in this area, the more chemicals would be used by them and it would undermine the Lab's program. Dr. Baker stressed that the whole ecological system at this location should be saved. It is a pristine habitat and the only such area of coastal hammock left in the whole community. It.was here back when Christopher Columbus landed in America. The understory and other vegetation is also important. Of the 133 plant species on the site, some are threatened and one is endangered. Dr. Baker did not feel the proposed multi -family development would be harmonious to the area, and urged the Board to deny the rezoning request. Robert Morton, 13 Forest Park Drive, felt that the proposed densities would detract from their single-family neighborhood. He noted that his house was 20' from the rear property line of 39 W