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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-0657/99reso.bridge0k RESOLUTION NO. 99-65 A RESOLUTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, IN OPPOSITION TO GRANTING ANY PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES FROM THE TOWN OF INDIAN RIVER SHORES TO CERTAIN ISLANDS IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON -- PUBLIC NOTICE 10-99. WHEREAS, Indian River County has a substantial investment in the natural resources, water quality, and recreational uses of the Indian River Lagoon; and WHEREAS, there exist approximately six islands in the Lagoon which are not developed within the boundaries of the incorporated Town of Indian River Shores; and WHEREAS, an application has been filed by a land developer for the construction of a bridge from the barrier island to the nearest of the six islands, with two additional bridges to join the second and third islands, so that a residential community can be built on the three islands; and WHEREAS, the bridge from the barrier island to the innermost island would severely restrict and impact in an adverse manner the long standing right enjoyed by the public of Indian River County, and, in fact, of the State of Florida, to use this waterway as a boating passage; and WHEREAS, the additional two bridges and planned residential docks will restrict, prohibit, and destroy the right of the boating public to sail or motor through the island system; and WHEREAS, the channels between the mainland and the islands have been navigable since records have been kept; and WHEREAS, the County government is not involved in litigation with the developer and is, therefore, free to express its feelings concerning protecting the rights of all the citizens of Indian River County, including those of the Town of Indian River Shores and of the City of Vero Beach, and of all the boating population of the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, granting these permits would be against the public interest; and WHEREAS, ownership to the bottom lands under the proposed bridge routes is in the State of Florida from conveyance from the United States Government of sovereignty lands when Florida became a State, and reaffirmed by a Legislative Act of 1917; Page two NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, that: 1. Indian River County strongly opposes the granting of a bridge permit from the Town of Indian River Shores to the near shore islands in the Indian River Lagoon system. 2. The County would be pleased to provide testimony and other evidence of public use of this waterway by boats which use would be restricted by the proposed bridge. The resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Stanbridge, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Adams, and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Chairman Kenneth R. Macht Aye Vice Chairman Fran B. Adams Aye Commissioner John W. Tippin Aye Commissioner Ruth M. Stanbridge Aye Commissioner Caroline D. Ginn Aye The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 6th day of July, 1999. %r Attest: J, K: Bartop; Clerk ,. PeRuty k BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA By Kennet R. Macht Chairman Te6phons: (561) 567.8000 July 9, 1999 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Ms. Evelyn Smart Office of the Commander 7`4 Coast Guard District 909 S.E. First Avenue, Room 406 Miami, FL 33131.3050 Re: Public Notice 10.99, Bridge Permits Lost Tree Village Corporation Dear Ms. Smart: On July 6, 1999, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to request that the United States Coast Guard deny the application by Lost Tree Village Corporation to construct three bridges and numerous docks in an area of the Indian River used heavily by boat traffic, skiers, and manatees. Historically these channels have been considered as public waterways by the federal government and transferred to the State of Florida as such. This designation was reaffirmed with the Legislative Act of 1917. Application #10.99 proposed by the Lost Tree Village Corporation will restrict, prohibit, and deny the public use of these channels and will be in direct conflict with the rights of the general public. If my office can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS By 7 enneth R. Macht, Chairman KRM/Vk