It has been debated for months in Martin County: New zoning designations to allow for development in traditionally rural areas.
People who walked into the Martin County Commission’s boardroom on Tuesday again showed signs of discontent.
“Hopefully 1,000 people would be sitting there,” said resident Gretchen Herchara.
With the petition in hand, Furuchara was among those opposing the proposed “rural lifestyle” amendment to the county’s general plan.
“We are not ready for these changes to the boundaries. We are not ready for changes to the comp plan,” said Herchara.
The Rural Lifestyle Plan, revised in front of the Commissioner, focuses on 12,000 acres adjacent to existing urban service districts that will be opened for development, much less than originally discussed.
“That transition area is being treated in a way that preserves the quality of life in Martin County,” said land planner Morris Crady.
The first development to fall under the proposed plan is Atlantic Fields west of Hove Sound.
317 multi-million dollar homes and a golf course will be built on part of the 1,500 acres of what is now the Hove Sound Polo Club.
Beyond its $20 million annual tax revenue potential, the developer will donate an equestrian facility to Atlantic Ridge State Park, provide more public access, restore wetlands, and the Becker family’s 800-acre tree farm. Make it a permanent agricultural easement.
“As with the previous public hearing, there were voices in favor of the proposal.
“The benefits for Martin County far outweigh the harm,” said real estate agent Andy Spears.
and those who oppose it.
“All I ask of you is to save Martin County from this horror,” said the resident. Jackie Transinger.
Former county administrator Taryn Krizda sided by telling the commissioner that it would be impossible to stabilize the millage rate unless development continued.
“The potential for this one development to provide an ad valorem tax on an area of at least 10 percent of the county-wide tax base and requiring few county services is a win for me,” said Kryzda.
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