Land Use Plan
(Con't from Pg 8)

In response to Commissioner Judah’s inquiry regarding restoration costs of agricultural land and storm water management, Mr. Reese stated that conversion costs are significant and that these costs are included in the Hanson report. Hanson Real Estate Advisors, Inc. Consultant Woodward S. Hanson clarified his report. Discussion ensued, between the Board and the County Attorneys, on the 810/910 rule and GPICPU; on how the county is subjected to legal liability; and on the processes involved if Bert Harris claims are filed. In response to Commissioner Albion’s inquiry regarding Community Development’s satisfaction with Option 1, Community Development Director Mary Gibbs suggested that the Board first decide in favor of Option 1, then enter discussions with the community to modify the plan amendment. Commissioner Albion spoke in favor of Mr. Hanson’s experience, skill and credibility; stated that neither immediate action nor a court decision would resolve the problems; and recommended the suggestion provided by Ms. Gibbs. The Board directed Ms. Gibbs to begin discussions with the Pine Island community to establish compromises, decide on a proper use of language, and provide monthly reports to the Board. Commissioner St. Cerny moved for Option No. 1, for the Board to take no action on the plan, continue to litigate and support the entire plan, while waiting to see if any Bert Harris claims ever arise; and reviewed that this followed suit with Administrative hearing on November 29, 2004, and gave Ms. Gibbs ample opportunity to help the people of Pine Island resolve the issues. Commissioner Albion suggested adding to the motion that an update be given to the Board at the November Management and Planning Meeting. Commissioner Judah seconded the motion, including the update. The motion was called and carried.

Violation to Pine Island Developer  
(Continued from front page)

It was a natural system designed over thousands of years by mother nature, and it worked perfectly.
Now that Willow Lake has been filled (including the LDOT drainage easement from Stringfellow Road), the water in that sector of Pine Island will have nowhere to go. The next rainy season will bring floods in that area, and the nearby residential communities and Stringfellow Road will be in trouble. It is even possible that during the next hurricane season, the residents of Pineland and Bokeelia could find their only escape route (Stringfellow Road) under water long before the hurricane even nears Florida.
It may be possible to reverse the direction of the historical flow and perhaps redirect it down Alcorn Street to Harry Street and from there to the mangroves; however, that would require much improved ditches and new drainage easements and add yet another source of pollution to the mangroves and Pine Island Sound. A better solution would be to require the landowner to fully restore Willow Lake to the degree humanly possible. Of course, it is not possible for humans to recreate an ecosystem that mother nature took thousands to years to constru ct, but it should be possible to at least restore the historical flow and use vegetated retention ponds to filter the water before it reaches the mangroves."