Local developers are wanting to build a large, hoity toity waterfront project along one of the last remaining wild areas along the shore of Sarasota Bay here in Bradenton. In fact, it is one of the few mangroves and breeding areas left along the west coast of Florida. Being unable to attend a public hearing on Tuesday, next (Aug 6th), I send the following email to my own County Commissioner, John Chappie, as well as the two at-large commissioners. Chappie called me upon receipt of the email, telling me it went to all commissioners and is now a part of the public record. Thankfully, he is opposed to the development. I am pleased to share it with my family, friends, and followers:
Dear Commissioner Chappie:
I am writing you since I won't be able to attend Tuesday's county commission meeting in Palmetto, due to a doctor's appointment. I wish to express my feelings on the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, an amendment submitted by the developers of Long Bar Pointe, that will forever destroy one of the last remaining natural, undeveloped areas along the south Florida Gulf coast—all for a mega-sprawl complex that no one wants, but the developers.
Long Bar Pointe provides refugee for countless manatees, dolphins, seahorses, fish, and other species, as well as providing breeding and nursery areas for smaller fish. Not only will such a development destroy this area, it will also have an adverse economic effect on those who depend on the Gulf for their livelihoods—commercial fishermen; charter boatmen; and just about anyone who depends on the tourist industry. If there is no sea life to support these businesses the historic way of life, especially in Cortez, will be gone forever. Even beyond the economic matters, environmental concerns such as flooding, wind breaks, natural water filtration, and protection against aquifer depletion must also be considered. With such a major development, these factors must also be addressed by many more people than Carlos Beruff or Larry Lieberman.
Long Bar Pointe provides refugee for countless manatees, dolphins, seahorses, fish, and other species, as well as providing breeding and nursery areas for smaller fish. Not only will such a development destroy this area, it will also have an adverse economic effect on those who depend on the Gulf for their livelihoods—commercial fishermen; charter boatmen; and just about anyone who depends on the tourist industry. If there is no sea life to support these businesses the historic way of life, especially in Cortez, will be gone forever. Even beyond the economic matters, environmental concerns such as flooding, wind breaks, natural water filtration, and protection against aquifer depletion must also be considered. With such a major development, these factors must also be addressed by many more people than Carlos Beruff or Larry Lieberman.
For these reasons, I plead with you to reject this self-serving amendment that benefits no one but Messrs. Beruff and Lieberman.
Sincerely,
David P. Hilsheimer
2 comments:
Fine letter, Dave. I hope a majority of commissioners will understand that the loss of areas like this diminishes Bradenton permanently. Less attractive to buyers, less attractive to renters, less business for business owners. The only one who profit are the developers who will take their money somewhere else to invest.
Response from Chappie's office:
Dear Mr. Hilsheimer:
On behalf Commissioner Chappie, thank you for your recent email regarding the Long Bar Pointe Text Amendment. Copies of your email will be forwarded to all commissioners, the County Attorney and the administrative staff involved in this issue. Your comments will also be entered into the record for the Board of County Commissioners public hearings. You are encouraged to attend these hearings and offer your comments directly to the Board.
Should you have comments or questions on this subject or any other, please feel free to either email or give Commissioner Chappie a call. His cell number is 941-920-1826.
Please know that your input is very important to them and your active participation in the political process is always encouraged and welcome.
Sincerely,
Shirley
Shirley Talley, Executive Assistant
to CommissionerChappie
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