10/14/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Chairman Eggert recalled that when she was Chairman of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council this property was pointed out as the last sizeable maritime hammock on the East Coast of Florida, not just in Indian River County. Mr. DeBlois thought that statement was even more true now. Commissioner Macht asked if the recommendation included congruency of the management plan with the Cairns tract, and Mr. DeBlois indicated that was part of the recommendation, which he may have failed to mention. Commissioner Ginn noted there was a sign on the property which advertised 10 acres for sale, and Mr. DeBlois advised that the purchase included a 15 -foot wide easement which runs to the river and that the purchase is based on a survey done by the State of the actual property. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. She requested that comments be kept as brief as possible and requested that anyone who had already spoken (at last week's meeting) not repeat what they had already said. Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, Vero Beach, stated he was still against the purchase of this tract. He suggested that properties be purchased to the west of Vero Beach instead of this beach area. He referred to a draft regional wildlife corridor map and stated that there is not an acre of the area that is being purchased that is on the map where the birds fly down from the North. Chairman Eggert explained that the map Mr. Granse referred to was put together to show where larger animals might come down through Florida. Jim Hager, 1865 Garden Grove Parkway, Vero Beach, maintained that migrating birds do use the area every year for resting and feeding on their way to and from South and Central America. This area has more trees and food for birds than any place in South Florida. These are song birds which fly at night to avoid the hawks and other birds. He then spoke in support of purchasing the property. Robert Johnson, 535 39' Court SW, Vero Beach, stated he was speaking on behalf of the taxpayers and believed that the Board is taking more property off the tax rolls than the Chamber of Commerce is trying to pursue businesses to put on the tax rolls. He felt this OCTOBER 14, 1997 43 goa 103 mu 49