04/15/2014 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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14.D. COMMISSIONER BOB SOLARI 14.D.1. ALL ABOARD FLORIDA (AAF) Commissioner Solari provided the Board with an update on All Aboard Florida (AAF). He spoke about petitions from Property Owner Associations that were signed in opposition of the All Aboard Florida (AAF) high speed passenger rail service project and read a statement from the Indian River Neighborhood Association requesting that the project not be approved without a clear showing that it will not be detrimental to the community. He said he had met with and presented Rusty Roberts, from AAF, with a long information request, and reported that the request would be discussed at Friday's Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) meeting. He did not believe this would answer all the questions, but felt it would be the start of a dialogue. Alice Johnson, 5470 E Harbor Village Drive, on behalf of the Indian River County Taxpayers Association, revealed that all 16 Board Members voted against AAF. She also voiced her individual opposition and concerns with the AAF project. Ellen Gower, 7435 Cypress Bend Manor, on behalf of the American Coalition for Property Rights, opposed the AAF project. She requested the Board to send a letter to the TCRPC requesting that they rescind their memorandum (on file) to Tallahassee supporting AAF. Nicholas Schaus, Sable Oak Drive, thanked the Board for heeding his recommendation to start work on preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) so staff can be prepared to react. He listed the negative effects of a high speed railroad through Indian River County, and reiterated that the Board's constituents do not want the AAF project. Shawn Frost, 1301 38th Avenue, opposed the AAF train and voiced concerns over safety, vibration, and property values. He encouraged the Board to take a stand against AAF, and to reach out to the TCRPC. April 15, 2014 21