Letter: City Commission should uphold the PZB decisionKen BryanSt. AugustinePublication Date: 06/10/07
Editor: For the second time, May 7, 2007, the city of St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) voted unanimously, 6-0, to reject the request by applicant Fred Halback, for a proposed 10-foot by 240-foot pier to a 1,080-feet, 100-slip marina. It would dock 50-foot yachts and sailboats for the exclusive use of owners of townhouses and estate homes who don't yet live in St. Augustine.
The private pier is so long over the wetlands, the users would use golf carts to get to boat docks.
Environmental experts, consultants and a biologist testified on May 7 that direct elimination of salt marsh would have cumulative negative impacts to the environment. Increased vessel operation in the area could locally elevate turbidity and sedimentation. Accidental discharge of gasoline, oil, sewage and trash also may have a deleterious impact on marine sources and habitats. No pump-out station or harbor master are planned.
This is not about the applicant's property rights. It is about the property rights of the city and the citizens, who own the submerged bottom lands and marsh that would be harmed. The marina would negatively impact the public scenic vista contrary to the city's comprehensive plan and city code which specifically require marinas and docks to "benefit the public as a whole." The plan declares these areas to be "the most environmentally sensitive areas of the city."
The Mickler-O'Connell Bridge on State Road 312 is the main route for evacuation of thousands who live on Anastasia Island. Concrete floating docks and large boats may pose a risk of damage to the bridge in the event of a major hurricane and therefore is a safety issue and huge concern of many of us who live here.
When the City Commission meets Monday, we ask that it reject this proposal.Click here to return to story:http://staugustine.com/stories/061007/opinions_464310b.shtml © The St. Augustine Record
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