Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing Minutes 09-22-2005 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING Date: September 22, 2005 Convened: 6:00 p.m. Tape: 1-2 Adjourned: 8:00 p.m. Commissioners Present: Chairperson, Frannie Hutchinson, Paula A. Lewis, Doug Coward, Joseph Smith, Chris Craft Others Present: Doug Anderson, County Administrator, Ray Wazny, Asst. County Administrator, Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Michael Brillhart, Strategy and Special Projects Director , Millie Delgado- Feliciano, Deputy Clerk GROWTH MANAGEMENT Proposed Adams Ranch Rural Lands Stewardship Comprehensive Plan Amendment- Consider staff recommendation to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and transmit to the State Department of Community Affairs. Mr. Mike Brillhart, Strategy and Special Projects Director presented a staff report and explained the process. He stated they have looked at this particular comp plan application and looked to do a couple of things. One, establishing a future land use overlay creating a specific land use designation which would be a rural land stewardship area (RLSA) land use designation. This would be done with a specific overlay designating a sending area and a receiving area. The sending area would be the Adams Ranch property and the receiving area would be the Cloud Grove property. There are several comments in the packet from various departments. The Consultants, Wilson, Miller will be gave a detail background for adopting a stewardship lands program. Mr. Ernie Cox, representing Family Lands Remembered, applicant as well as the Adams Ranch and the Cloud Grove property addressed the Board and introduced Mike Adams, Adams Ranch to give some background and show how they got to where they are today. Mr. Adams read notes from his father who was unable to attend the meeting today. He stated, “ The question is not about me or how the land has been managed in the past, it is about St. Lucie County, it’s about our children, our grandchildren. Will they work cattle and horses? Will they grow citrus? Will there be any agriculture? Or will sprawl envelop the entire county? The Rural Land Stewardship is a new concept that encourages good management and development practices. The fact that a project such as this has never been done before is not a negative. It is an exciting opportunity to be on the cutting edge and a model for agricultural land preservation, conservation and sound development. “ Mr. Eric Draper, Deputy Director, Audubon of Florida, representative of the environmental community gave his perspective of the project. Mr. Al Reynolds, Planning Consultant, gave an overview of the program. Mr. Reynolds stated Rural Land Use issues are becoming the focal point for growth management in Florida. Particularly in high growth counties. Rural Stewardship is the newest and most innovative tool in the toolbox for land use issues in the state. 1 It is an incentive based program that is encouraged by the office of Community Affairs. Mr. Reynolds commented on the DRI exemption provision under163 and stated there are several strings attached in order to use this exemption. Another change that was important in St. Lucie County and other parts of the state was that agriculture is a credit generator. The initial program was based on natural resources protection. They have put together a proposed model for the program. Mr. Reynolds reviewed a portion of the plan overlay which he stated had many pieces. Com. Craft asked how many actual houses are they looking to have built. Mr. Reynolds stated between 10,000 and 15,000 units. Com. Coward commented on issues of concern such as environmental and growth management. He stated it was important when speaking on development outside the urban service boundary they understand more about the current situation. He is looking at the current Comprehensive Plan identifying an excess of 200,000 acres of Agricultural land outside the urban service boundary today. If the zoning of this property is 1 unit per 5 acres, there are entitlements and private property rights that would equal about 40,000 homes today if they did nothing. This is worst recipe for urban sprawl you could have. He completely supports the concept, however the specific credit matrix would need to be scrutinized in more detail for him to have a better comfort level. Com. Hutchinson reminded everyone there will be plenty of time to review seeing the requirement of at least 8 public hearings. Mr. Cox advised the Board of added policies such as school requirement, water and sewer service, 25 year or greater, restoration credits after restoration is completed. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Susan Harris, Flying Rancher resident, addressed the Board with her concerns on the aviation community she lives in and the new area residents moving into these units complaining about plane noise. Mr. Jack Coker- Okeechobee resident, addressed the Board in favor of the amendment. Mr. Michael Brown, Banker, addressed the Board in favor of the amendment. Mr. Craig Mundt, Hutchinson Island resident, questioned the 10,000 acre transfer. Mr. Tom Cowan, President, Flying Ranch homeowners, addressed the Board and stated he had questions about the density and expressed his concern with developers generating more sending units. He also expressed his concern with the new residents complaining about the airplane noise. Mr. Bill Hearn, Indrio Rd., addressed the Board in favor of the amendment and stated he hoped the Board would expand on the program. He does share concerns that need to be addressed before approval. He is also having a problem with the receiving areas and suggested the County purchase credits until they know what will be done in the future with the TVC concept. Com. Coward stated they needed to do due diligence and the Regional Planning Council has played a vital role. He stated he would not be supporting the DRI exemption and stated he sees a benefit in having input from the Regional Planning Council. 2 Com. Lewis stated the undoubted benefits are there, but she will be approving this tonight with the understanding that they can come back with some of the issues that have been raised. It was moved by Com. Smith, seconded by Com. Craft to transmit as amended by the applicant, and; upon roll call, motion carried unanimously. There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Chairman _______________________________ Clerk of Circuit Court 3