5/2/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� � r • Meetings On September 21, 1994, the first Wabasso Corridor study meeting was held at the Sebastian River High School. Attended by about 60 people, the meeting lasted two hours, with the attendees breaking out into small groups for discussion. Despite several disruptive residents, the meeting was a success, with attendees having identified issues, problems, concerns, and desires for the Wabasso area. After the first meeting, staff and the Urban Resource Group compiled all of the information obtained from the small groups. This information was summarized and sent to those on the mailing list along with a notice of the second meeting. Held on November 9, 1995, the second meeting focussed on discussing the results of the first meeting as well as resolving some of the questions raised at the initial session. Because of a few disruptive attendees, there was no small group breakout. There was, however, a vote of the group as to whether the process should continue or be terminated. By a unanimous vote, the group decided to continue developing the corridor plan. On January 11, 1995, the final meeting was held. Although about 25 people attended, there was a small group of five or six people who were so disruptive that the meeting ;could not progress. After futile attempts to maintain order, staff disbanded the meeting. • Status Subsequent to the third meeting, staff discussed the situation with Urban Resource Group and members of the Concerned Citizens of Wabasso. Among those involved, there was agreement that the large group workshop format being used would not work. All agreed that the few disruptive people would prevent any progress from occurring. As an alternative to large group meetings with extensive citizen involvement, staff, Urban Resource Group, and Concerned Citizens felt that a task force approach might work. With a task force, a small group could focus on the issues, develop a plan, and exclude the disruptive trouble -makers. All agreed, however, that the task force approach would need to be endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners. Everyone further agreed that the issue should not be brought to the Board unless there was a strong showing of community support to continue the corridor planning efforts. • Support Recently, staff received that indication of community support. Besides a dozen or so letters supporting the Wabasso Corridor planning effort, staff received a petition with 272 signatures. Of those signing the petition, 94 were residents, property owners, or business. owners in the Wabasso area. Many of the other signers drive through the corridor on a regular basis. As written, the petition indicated support both for the corridor planning process and the establishment of a task force. Among those signing the petition or sending separate letters of support were some of the large landowners in the corridor study area. These include Ken Kennedy, who owns property within the corridor both on the mainland and on the barrier island, as well as Erling Speer, representing the owners of Windsor and Orchid. MAY 2 1995 15 BOOK 94 F;:GE 9 78