Laserfiche WebLink
Commissioner Bird inquired whether the presence of the scrub <br />jay is what gets Fish & Wildlife involved and wanted to know how <br />many scrub jays there are. <br />Mr. Jennings said there were about 10,000 back in 1993, and <br />less now. <br />Jim Granse, of 36 Pine Harbor Lane, a concerned citizen, <br />wanted to be sure the Board was aware this is taxpayers' money and <br />asked where does it stop. He reported that the Press Journal had <br />3 editorials against the purchase and recently had a "thumbs down" <br />article. Mr. Granse reminded the Board that the taxpayers had been <br />asked to approve a $26,000,000 bond referendum for the purchase of <br />"undeveloped natural lands". He is a LAAC committee member and it <br />was his understanding that the County was to buy pristine property. <br />Chairman Adams clarified that none of these lots have homes <br />built on them. <br />Bill Roolage, another concerned citizen, expressed his <br />appreciation for the citizens who donated money for the children in <br />Gifford and said that all he hears from the County Commission is <br />scrub jays and beach mice and buying property. He felt that kids <br />are more important and wanted to see the Board take them into <br />consideration and perhaps fund some after-school programs rather <br />than scrub jays. <br />Andy Cindric, 1441 56th Square West, wanted to know what type <br />of vegetation makes it environmentally sensitive and how you <br />document that the scrub jay is resident on a lot. He agreed with <br />Commissioner Bird's comments regarding buying piecemeal lots and <br />asked why, if the property is environmentally sensitive, it was <br />allowed to develop. <br />Director Bob Keating advised that the property was developed <br />back in the 19501s. A significant portion of the property would be <br />set aside were it being platted under today's regulations. <br />Mr. Deblois stated that properties are classified as <br />environmentally sensitive as rare species will not locate in any <br />other place. Usually the core tracts are comprised of only a few <br />hundred acres. <br />William Jessberger of 9725 North Marina Drive said that he <br />owns 2 scrub jay lots and does not understand why the water line is <br />being installed. He was told by Fish & Wildlife that he could <br />build on these lots if he bought another lot from them which he <br />feels is complete extortion. <br />SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 35 <br />soot �9 Fu�� <br />