HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Special Meeting_Tab 5_4/9/1992 //
f. '
I.
zv �:r fi
+ _ VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
,.t, ,; Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive
���,.;�. ° Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 • (407) 575-6200
,11�� 'm , o ,° FAX: (407) 575-6203
,CN COUSI
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
SPECIAL VILLAGE COUNCIL
CITIZENS COMMENTS
APRIL 9 , 1 9 9 2
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
William Murphy, appointed as representative of the Jupiter-
Tequesta-Juno Beach Chamber of Commerce by the Executive
Board, stated the feelings of the Board: 1) is the proposed
Northfork land improvement viable; and 2) what is the impact
on the Village of Tequesta.
1) The Jupiter-Tequesta-Juno Beach Chamber of Commerce
supports the development of Section 28 . They feel the
proposed density of approximately 1 unit/acre is
environmentally sound for that area, and would probably
be classified as a low-density residential development,
all done by one Developer. At this time, with a
shortfall of tax revenue, a well thought out residential
--pro ect�muses fully supported. This project will have a
positive economic impact on all surrounding businesses
and communities. This project will cause an improvement
in agricultural wetlands and even provide a public golf
course.
2) The Chamber of Commerce Board feels the impact of the
Northfork Project on the Village of Tequesta will be
minimal, since traffic studies can be slanted either way.
Most residents of the Northfork area would travel north
and south, not through Tequesta. A lot of traffic from
that area entering Tequesta would be from those who would
shop or work in Tequesta. Some Tequesta traffic may even
be alleviated by travelers from Little Cfeek area using
Island Way Bridge to access I-95. If there was a slight
increase in traffic through Tequesta, it may bring much
needed business to Tequesta ' s merchants.
Recycled Paper
Dorothy Campbell asked if the sentence stating that the
existing land use designation for Section 28 should remain as
is has been deleted. Mayor Collings confirmed that it had
been deleted. Also deleted from the letter was the wording
in number 7) which stated that impact fees "be used for the
widening of Tequesta Drive to Seabrook, if necessary" . Mrs.
Campbell pointed out further that the description of 1 house
per acre was not exactly accurate since development would take
place all in one section with a public golf course still to
be existing. She stated she had problems with: 1) one house
per acre which includes acreage of a golf course, and the golf
course not being dedicated; 2) problems with the golf course
being a public one and generating much traffic; 3) reminded
that Country Club Drive and Tequesta Drive are municipally
owned and maintained roads. Maintenance costs should be
shared if these streets are to be shared with traffic from
other municipalities.
Susan Brennan asked if any studies have been done regarding
the effects of the Northfork Project on Tequesta ' s water
table. She felt an additional 2 , 500 residents in the area,
including another golf course which would need to be watered
would have an adverse effect on Tequesta ' s water table. Mayor
Collings stated the requested DRI study or the requested
Regional Planning Council study will cover the subject of
water. It has been treated and discussed in several COG (of
which a representative of South Florida Water Management is
a member) meetings without the formality of a study.
John Palace, managing general partner of Northfork
Development, stated unregulated growth is a concern of
Northfork Developers as well , and the 1985 Growth Management
Act serves as a control, in that it promotes environmentally
sound and physically responsible development. Mr. Palace felt
the Village staff did not have enough data to make density
recommendations since a presentation of the Site Plan has
never been before Tequesta 's Village Council . He felt the
traffic impact on Tequesta would be minimal and he did not
understand Tequesta ' s comments regarding significant regional
impact.
The only issue the Developer ever discussed with Tequesta was
regarding traffic to which there is a reality and a
perception. Reality to the traffic impact of Northfork on
Tequesta is minimal . The Developer' s traffic consultant
reported that traffic would increase 1% in Tequesta as a
result of the Northfork Project. There is no additional level
of service necessary for Country Club Drive. If the Northfork
Development was located in Tequesta, the request would be for
the lowest residential zoning Tequesta has, and absolute
concurrency under traffic.
This land is an environmental disaster with 400 acres of
agriculture with 12 wells, drawing down the water table
drastically; there is direct runoff and pollution into the
park and a tremendous invasion of exotic vegetation.
The Project has been reduced from 810 units to under 700
units. Mr. Palace reassured that the Project is getting
closer to 1 unit per acre. He pointed out what he felt were
immeasurable benefits of the Project: 1) cement the boundary
to Jonathan Dickinson Park; 2) environmental devastation will
be stopped; 3) exotic seed sources will be eradicated; 4)
preservation of 80 acres of the only remaining upland
vegetation on the site will take place; 5) proposal of an
elementary school site for south Martin County residents; 6)
two miles of county road will be built by the Developer; 7)
giving the public a golf course which will generate $8-$8M in
revenue; 8) the community will be impacted to the tune of
$130M of sensible growth. Mr. Palace felt there was no
abusive development here. He asked the Village Council to not
make the recommendation regarding the density, since the
density is already low.