4/12/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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800K 92 Far,F 119 the roadways. Commissioner Adams pointed out that owners have a right to use their property, and the Board has the authority to decide whether a special exception use is appropriate in that particular area. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED by Commissioner Macht, to approve the special exception use request. Under discussion, Commissioner Macht knew of a similar facility existing in the middle of a grove and there are no problems with pesticide or intrusion or conflict. He told of his experience with Teen Challenge wherein a member of his family was helped to change his life. He realized that any request for such an institution meets with the "not in my backyard" argument, but he predicted that there will be positive results from approval of this special exception use. Commissioner Bird admitted that this is the toughest vote in his 19 years as a commissioner on the P&Z and BCC. He realized that every speaker was sincere, and that we need this type of facility in our community, but it is a question of location. Our long range plan for the County set aside the area west of I-95 primarily for agriculture, and citrus people have made substantial investments out there. The citrus industry is the number one employer in our County, and he had no doubt that the grove owners support the concept of the retreat. He wished the Coffeys had made the request before they purchased the property because he would have encouraged them to look elsewhere. Commissioner Eggert has similar feelings and pointed out that she has always supported projects and facilities for nurturing people, personally and as a Commissioner. She agreed that the Coffeys have a wonderful goal but she could not support or approve this type of facility in an area of active agriculture. Commissioner Adams pointed out that this area is designated A- 2, which allows one unit per 10 acres. That one unit could allow 15 people if they had a family of 15. She pointed out that there are cases where people bought property in areas of passive agriculture which changed to active agriculture, and she asked whether the original owners should be forced to move out. Chairman Tippin agreed that it is the most difficult decision in his experience as a Commissioner, but he recalled that many families were raised in the middle of the groves. He realized that it is not a perfect situation but he judged that the good points outweigh the negative, and he would support the motion. 28 M