DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE ON ST. AUGUSTINE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, SEASHORE AND SCENIC COASTAL PARKWAY ACT

(DISCUSSION DRAFT)
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA:

Whereas, the St. Augustine National Historic District and associated historic sites are National Historic Landmarks and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as historic sites associated with the history of our Nation’s Oldest continually-occupied European-founded city;
Whereas, the City of St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 8, 1565 and retains significant archaeological, architectural features, archival materials, and museum collections illustrative of the Spanish, Minorcan, Greek and British settlers;
Whereas, St. Augustine’s historic resources provide unique opportunities for illustrating and interpreting indigenous (Native-American), African-American, Spanish, Minorcan, Greek, British, American colonial, Civil War and Civil Rights history and Northeast Florida’s contribution to the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States and provide opportunities for public use and enjoyment;
Whereas, the year 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Spanish explorers and colonists on these shores and 2015 marks the 450th anniversary of the City of St. Augustine;
Whereas, the year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was enacted by Congress and signed by President Johnson after what happened here;
Whereas, the National Park System presently contains only two National Monuments associated with one part of St. Augustine’s 11,000 years of human history.
Whereas, St. Augustine and St. Johns County are imbued and blessed with great natural beauty and biodiversity, including threatened and endangered species, including beach mice, butterflies, bald eagles, pelagic turtles, right whales and manatees.
Whereas, our coasts are threatened by erosion and require protection from hurricanes and the effects of global climate change;
Whereas, the St. Augustine area’s precious environmental, historic and cultural heritage is in danger of destruction due to large-scale, rapid development and a lack of planning for parklands, preservation and public transportation.
Whereas, several significant properties have been lost to development forever and more are imperiled.
Whereas, roads are clogged and the enjoyment of the area’s beauty is marred by lack of public transportation;
Whereas, there is an urgent need for action on the part of the federal government to preserve the history and beauty of the area and to provide public transportation to serve the millions of visitors annually, while relieving local residents from traffic congestion, air pollution and energy waste associated with rapid development.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Commission of the City of St. Augustine call upon Congress to provide national park legislation and funding:
(A) to help preserve, protect, and interpret the splendid environmental and historic resources in our city and county, including architecture, seashores, vistas, settings, and associated archival and museum collections;
(B) to collaborate with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, State of Florida, the cities of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach, the Town of Hastings and the government of St. Johns County, Florida and with associated historical, cultural, environmental, tourism and preservation organizations to further the purposes of the park;
(C) to provide opportunities for the inspirational benefit and education of the American people;
(C) to protect us from hurricanes by protecting wetlands;
(D) to respond to coastal erosion with a coherent management plan;
(E) to protect endangered species and scenery forever;
(F) to grow our economy and encourage historic and environmental tourism; and
(G) to preserve St. Augustine’s history and natural beauty for future generations.