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WAHASSO CORRIDOR PLAN <br />ensure that future growth in the Wabasso Corridor would enhance the <br />area's appearance and scenic qualities. Together, planning staff <br />and Wabasso property owners approached the Board of County <br />Commissioners with this request. In August, 1994, the Board <br />directed planning staff to work with members of the Webasso <br />community and prepare a Wabasso Corridor Plan. <br />Assisted by Urban Resource Group, a Vero Beach land planning and <br />landscape architecture firm, planning staff did research, compiled <br />information, prepared background material, and held three community <br />meetings in an effort to prepare a corridor plan. While the first <br />two meetings were successful in identifying community concerns and <br />community desires, the third meeting was unsuccessful. At that <br />meeting, a small group of people opposed to the planning effort <br />derailed the meeting and effectively stalled the planning process. <br />Undeterred, a core group of Wabasso landowners circulated petitions <br />within the community and demonstrated overwhelming support for <br />continuation of the corridor planning process. in response to this <br />Indication of support, the Board of County Commissioners <br />established a Wabasso Corridor. Plan Task Force to work with <br />planning staff to develop a corridor plan. <br />Consisting of fifteen members, the task force met eight times from <br />May, 1995 through September, 19950 including a field trip to the <br />City of Port Orange. Through this process, the task force reviewed <br />background data and information, developed objectives, and <br />considered regulatory standards. Through compromise, consensus <br />building, and a balance of interests, the task force prepared and <br />adopted this corridor report. <br />CORRIDOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDITIONS <br />Historically, Wabasso has been a semi -rural area dominated by the <br />citrus industry. Several of the oldest homes in the county are <br />located in Wabasso. Wabasso also contains several environmentally <br />significant habitats, including xeric scrub communities, wetland <br />areas, and portions of the Indian River Lagoon, an estuary of <br />national significance. The lagoon provides habitat for many rare <br />and endangered species of plants and animals, as well as numerous <br />recreational opportunities. <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY PAGE 3 <br />