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d. The process which allowed the land use change to occur without prior knowledge of the municipalities and the citizens most directly concerned, and which has led to extreme divisiveness in the community, is strongly opposed. 5. The variances to the intent and specific language of the Comprehensive Plan pose grave risks to the community. Protection of the county's rich and varied environmental re- sources was stated as a Plan goal. With the present approv- al to allow commercial activity in residential areas, the county's most precious natural resources, its shorelands, are at risk with consequential financial and job related impacts over the long run. Following are some of the risks to Indian River County: a. Residential resorts (e.g. hotel/motel operations) and related commercial activity may expand into the 500 acres available between John's Island and Route 510. We have reason to believe that three of the major hotel chains are considering Disney's move with possible interest of their own. b. Under the current zoning, allowing hotel/motel opera- tions in any RM -6 areas, and with the special excep- tions expected to be granted to Disney, it is doubtful that other entrants may be denied similar approval. I.e. by the actions taken to date the.County and the towns will have lost control. as Hotel/motel chains, like all major corporations, are managed for profit. They employ centralized purchasing and other centralized practices to control cost. Therefore, with hotel/motel operations.-' as opposed to private ownership - little real benefit is expected to accrue to area merchants and contractors. Nor will there be much impact on area jobs, other.than in manual and entry level positions. d. In the likley event that hotel/motel operations begin to pre-empt residential space in the scenic shorelands areas, property values will deteriorate. Residents who had orgiinally selected Indian River County for its scenic attractions may seek other destinations, and potential new property owners may be deterred. e. The adverse impact on present and future area business- es may be similarly dramatic. At present, Indian River County's scenic beauty and uncrowded conditions repre- sent strong selling points for drawing new business 'to the area. Eliminate that, and Indian River may become just another area in economic decline. 6. For the reasons stated above, we respectfully appeal to the Board of Commissioners either to reverse the March, 1993 decision allowing hotel/motel operations in RM -6 areas (with exception for Disney's proposal) or to institute new safe- guards within the present zoning to positively preclude further proliferation of such resorts. We thank the Board for its consideration of our petitions. Mr. Bibow believed that the ratio requirement proposal made a lot of sense, and urged the Board to give it careful consideration. 51 Boa PnI F 516 MAY i 11993 �