Laserfiche WebLink
aooK 92 Fa;r 117 <br />APR 121994 <br />and unless the Board has substantial competent evidence that the <br />use would be adverse to the public interest, the request should be <br />granted. <br />Attorney Vitunac advised that this is not a permitted use and <br />generally is not permitted in the district unless there are special <br />protections from any adverse impact. Once an applicant has met all <br />the conditions stated in the Code, then the burden shifts to the <br />County to show by competent substantial evidence that the use would <br />be adverse to the public interest. There was evidence supplied by <br />the citrus growers, and the Board must decide if the weight of that <br />evidence is competent and substantial enough to deny the request. <br />Commissioner Bird was concerned about the increase in the <br />number of people residing at that location from 2 individuals to 24 <br />or 40 retreatants, plus visitors to the property. He viewed it as <br />an intensification of the existing use and asked how we can control <br />or limit its expansion. <br />Attorney O'Haire felt there will not be many facilities like <br />this because there are not many people like Sandy Coffey who would <br />take on such a responsibility. In addition, there is migrant <br />housing as a special exception use which increases the intensity <br />and density. The migrants are employees of the grove owners, but <br />the effects are the same because they can grow fruits and <br />vegetables and are subjected to pesticide spraying. <br />Steve Mayo, employee of Packers of Indian River, having been <br />duly sworn, argued that migrant workers are trained under the <br />Workers Protection Safety Standards and they understand what <br />precautions are required for their safety and the safety of their <br />families. He was concerned that an accident could happen if <br />someone wanders off the Coffey property unintentionally. He feared <br />that granting the request would place him at risk of losing his <br />income from possible complications which could arise through no <br />fault of his. Citrus growers take extensive measures to comply <br />with current laws as well as expected future laws, but there are <br />inherent dangers when working with toxic materials. <br />Reverend Henry Holmes, having been duly sworn, suggested <br />collaboration in training regarding pesticides which would help all <br />parties. <br />Woody Anderson, 14 -year resident of Indian River County, <br />having been duly sworn, stated that he and his wife are volunteers <br />and hoped the Board would support the retreat. <br />Davis Wilkerson, member of Sowing Seeds Ministry, having been <br />duly sworn, thanked Sandy Coffey for reaching out and helping him. <br />26 <br />