Citing the lagoon’s recent environmental problems, Council President Jim Walker said he “wholeheartedly” disagreed. Ocean Breeze debates marina use Workshop reviews draft comp plan By Mark Burneko Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers OCEAN BREEZE — To dock or not to dock emerged as the most contentious question raised by council members Wednesday night at a public workshop to review a draft of the town’s revised comprehensive plan. The 100-acre township’s existing plan, which has remained relatively unchanged since its adoption in the 1990s, previously included a prohibition on development of a multislip marina. The revised plan goes a step further with an additional prohibition on designated anchorages off the town’s Indian River Lagoon shoreline, sparking a spirited debate among the council members, who were sitting as the town’s Local Planning Agency. “Putting in restrictive language like this would limit the ability for progress,” said Ann Kagdis, Ocean Breeze council vice president and planning agency chairwoman. “What this town will be in 2030 is not what it is in 2014. Don’t bind the hands of future town leaders.” Citing the lagoon’s recent environmental problems, Council President Jim Walker said he “wholeheartedly” disagreed. When another council member suggested the town should leave the door open to the possibility of a marina, Walker responded, “The problem I have with leaving the door open is who’s going to walk in.” Town management consultant Terry O’Neil said he would try to rewrite the provision with less restrictive language, which seemed to settle the issue for the time being. The workshop at the town’s Hoke Hall on Indian River Drive drew about two dozen of the community’s 170 residents. Revising the comprehensive plan, a state requirement, marks a first step toward consideration of a broader redevelopment plan being prepared by Carefree RV Resorts, who in July bought the 45 acres on which the mobile home park is located. The proposed Carefree redevelopment plan, which is still being drafted, includes replacing derelict trailers with new modular homes and cottages, as well as adding a new recreational center, swimming pool and possibly some commercial space, said O’Neil. Some of the most significant proposed changes would be west of the existing mobile home park on 45 undeveloped acres behind the Ocean Breeze Plaza on Jensen Beach Boulevard, which are within the town’s jurisdiction. James Morgan, who attended Wednesday’s meeting, represents the owners of the undeveloped land situated on town land west of the FEC railroad tracks. Morgan has said at least three developers he’s talked with have expressed interest in building homes and commercial space on the property. O’Neil said a final comprehensive plan, which will have to be submitted to the state Department of Economic Opportunity for review, could receive final approval sometime this summer. Putting in a restrictive language like this would limit the ability for progress. What this town will be in 2030 is not what it is in 2014. Don’t bind the hands of future town leaders.” Ann Kagdis, Ocean Breeze council vice president
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:53:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015