THE

PRESIDENT’S HOOT!

 

Placing the St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve with the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area

 

The PIAS Board of Directors has great concern about the  “new” policy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) which placed the St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve under the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area administration.  Combining this important preserve with a very active recreational area, the Sebastian State Park, sets a dangerous precedent.  It is our understanding that this was an administrative decision, effective January 1, 2004, and was reached without public input.

 

For many years, Brevard and Indian River Counties, many non-profit organizations, and private citizens have worked to acquire the necessary funds to purchase lands within and buffering the St. Sebastian River.  The commitment to protect, preserve, and restore this large acreage has been tremendous and has clearly demonstrated that partnerships are necessary if state programs such as P-2000 and Florida Forever are to be successful.  However, this new policy may endanger the lands set aside for their protection.

 

Therefore, a letter drafted by PIAS Corresponding Secretary Ruth M. Stanbridge has been sent to Governor Bush expressing our strong objections to the DEP’s “new” policy in regard to the Sebastian Buffer Preserve.  We protested the DEP lack of communication, request for comments, or concern for the participation of the citizens of Brevard and Indian River Counties when making this decision. 

 

We recommended that the effective date be dismissed and that public meetings be held in both Brevard and Indian River Counties to discuss this “new” policy.  The citizens of these counties and the supporters of both the Buffer Preserve and State Park need to hear from those in Tallahassee concerning the future of these state lands.   PIAS would be pleased to provide assistance in coordinating public meetings on this matter. 

 

Bob Ballard from DEP has agreed to have PIAS coordinate a public meeting in February.  We are working on a date, probably at the North County Library.

 

Reviewing Indian River County’s Impact Fees

 

On a different matter we strongly advocate that the County Commissioners review the impact fees on new developments, which are the lowest in the surrounding area, and make those who develop lands pay for all the services that they will need: not only roads, sewage, water, and electricity but social services, health, emergency services and police protection-- including annual review of these costs and inflation adjustments.  Please write or call your County Commissioners (567-8000 ext 490) to express your views

 

Florida Hometown Democracy Initiative Debate

On Jan 27th PIAS along with the Friends of the Sebastian River and the Marine Resource Council will sponsor a discussion about the merits of the proposed Florida Hometown Democracy Initiative.  This proposed amendment replaces county or city commission votes to adopt or change a comprehensive plan, with votes by the citizens in a referendum election to be held at the same time as the general election.  Lesley Blackner, one of the attorneys who started the movement will be speaking for the amendment, and we plan to have a speaker to present opposing views as well as audience participation. You can view more information about the initiative at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com  Please plan to attend at the North County Library, 7:30 pm.

Richard H. Baker, President