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r <br />Bm 97 N� GE58 <br />Director Keating also pointed out that under "site <br />characteristics" in staff's memo, that the ocean frontage of 1,155 <br />linear feet is actually 847 linear feet. He noted that 1,155 is <br />the linear footage of the Cairns and Irwin properties combined. <br />Director Keating then described other special characteristics of <br />the property. <br />Chairman Adams announced that the Board had received 19 <br />letters favoring the acquisition of this property and 1 letter in <br />opposition. <br />(Clerk's Note: Copies of letters have been placed on file in <br />the office of the Clerk to the Board.) <br />Commissioner Eggert understood that the seller did not want <br />the property east of U.S. #1 sold separately from the property west <br />of the highway. <br />Director Keating advised that she was correct and the owner <br />was present to address the question specifically. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone <br />wished to be heard in this matter. <br />Robert Cairns, of Orlando and Vero Beach, stressed that he had <br />fallen in love with this property and purchased it in 1971. He <br />spoke of the property's tropical and environmental appeal and <br />presented photographs to the Board for review. <br />Mr. Cairns outlined the history of negotiations since 1994 for <br />both private and public purchase. He had discontinued negotiations <br />on the private purchase because he wanted to preserve as much <br />property as possible. <br />Mr. Cairns introduced environmentalist Jim Thomas and <br />enumerated his- credentials. He asked Mr. Thomas to comment on the <br />property as seen from his perspective. <br />Jim Thomas of 14908 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, advised he is <br />an environmental consultant, a biologist, and has been associated <br />with the subject property for more than 20 years. As early as <br />-1976, he had approached the State to purchase it because of its <br />ecologic value. Property of this type is disappearing from the <br />coast. He emphasized the biologic value of the property by <br />pointing out that it is one of the last pieces of almost pristine <br />coastal scrub and coastal hammock property. It is unique as it is <br />in a transitional area with both temperate and tropic species <br />March 19, 1996 <br />42 <br />