Laserfiche WebLink
BooK 98 rm F 546 <br />Commissioner Eggert commented that these lots were on the Land <br />Acquisition Advisory Committee ranked list and no attempt has been <br />made to remove them from this list. <br />Mr. DeBlois stated that this project has been ranked in 2 <br />separate cycles and was originally 14 out of 19 projects. It is <br />now ranked number 13 out of 15. <br />Louise Cartwright, Mayor of Sebastian, felt that we are <br />looking at a single issue and must remember there is a larger issue <br />involved. She is aware of 2 permits that were denied; 1 to the <br />County for the CR -512 exchange into the Twin Pairs, and the other <br />to the City of Sebastian for the road to the industrial park at the <br />airport. We cannot just focus on this area, but need to look at <br />the whole area. What better use could be made of the funds than to <br />preserve the environment and free economic development at the same <br />time? The 10% of scrub that is left will be preserved. We are <br />doing the best we can and, from an environmental and economic <br />standpoint, it makes sense. We want you to approve the project as <br />a beginning of preservation and development. <br />Commissioner Bird questioned whether there is a commitment <br />from Fish & Wildlife that they will release the restrictions on the <br />remaining properties, and Mr. DeBlois said that the July 11, 1996 <br />letter contains their response. They will not tell us until we <br />apply for a permit. <br />Commissioner Bird expressed his frustration with Fish & <br />Wildlife who want the County to spend its money but didn't even <br />send a representative to this public hearing. <br />Louise Cartwright felt we need to do something toward <br />mitigation. There is less than 2% of scrub left in the state. We <br />do not like all the regulations but we have to deal the cards we <br />are given and this is the best way to do it. She believed that <br />purchase of this portion will free all of Unit 17 which will free <br />a lot of land for development and will make it easier down the <br />road. <br />Chairman Adams felt some progress was made with Fish & <br />Wildlife in April when there was about a 30% reduction. That shows <br />some concessions are being made on their part. The County can draw <br />a line in the sand at any time, but at what expense. We need to <br />show good faith and keep working toward something useful. <br />Mr. DeBlois believed Fish & Wildlife has been very helpful but <br />they are restricted in what they can tell us without making a <br />response to a specific application. They also have indicated that <br />they do not want to be perceived as dictating to the County. <br />JULY 169 1996 16 <br />