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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 30, 2024 <br />Resident Rusty Banack urged the Board to clean up smaller areas within the existing <br />infrastructure. He noted that several large parcels, not limited to five or ten acres, <br />border the USB and were suitable for development. He asked the Board to consider <br />these areas for potential expansion. <br />Resident Peter Robinson recounted the history of how the USB was initially <br />determined. <br />Resident Robert Votaw discussed the USB, highlighting the importance of <br />understanding development capacity related to densities, land use, and zoning <br />regulations, whether it was for multi -family or other developments. He asked for <br />clarity on what was considered affordable housing, noting today's complexities. Mr. <br />Votaw also emphasized the importance of environmental preservation. <br />Attorney Pete Sweeney with Block and Scarpa Law Firm, thanked the Board for <br />addressing the balance between quality of life and sustainability in the County, <br />emphasizing the importance of planning for growth in the next 20 to 30 years. He <br />expressed that the USB limits growth, and new hospitals, industries, or commercial <br />projects may not be feasible without changes. He highlighted the potential for light <br />industrial and commercial developments to enhance the tax base and improve county <br />services while addressing environmental concerns. He stated that development outside <br />the USB would not solve waterway issues, and he noted that impact fees of $10,000 <br />per single-family home could generate significant revenue. Mr. Sweeney <br />acknowledged the competing priorities of environmental protection and low-density <br />development, suggesting that these goals could co -exist and encouraged staff to <br />develop ideas to meet these objectives. <br />Resident Richard Bialosky believed decisions should be based on environmental <br />considerations from Resource Management rather than uninformed public opinion. He <br />stated that many cities have improved after a decline or managed growth, but few had <br />maintained their unique identity that people appreciate. Collaborating with experts <br />would help the County make informed, long-term decisions about the future. Overall, <br />he felt confident about the Inspire Report. <br />Resident Kelly Jackson addressed the role of agriculture within the USB. Chairman <br />Adams emphasized Ms. Jackson's support for urban and small-scale homesteading. <br />Mr. Raasch clarified that Inspire focused on properties within the USB to support the <br />population until 2050, noting that the study's recommendations would not affect small <br />farms outside the USB. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 5 <br />