For Immediate release
Contact: Mary Stone
mary23stone@yahoo.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Most of us are familiar with the new project under construction on 2nd Street by developer Cedar Key Historic Renovation LLC. We understand that the development will include residences, shops, an eating place and more. We`ve seen the artistic illustrations on display. The City Commission gave its final approval to this project at a December 05 meeting. We thought we were well informed, and that this was an ultimately positive project that would preserve historic Cedar Key buildings and put them to good use by bringing more business, good jobs and upscale visitors to Cedar Key.
The property behind the existing buildings is shaded by graceful clumps of palms, large aged red cedars, oaks, bay, sycamore and others. After hearing what I hoped was just a rumor that Cedar Key Historic Renovations LLC is going to remove every one of these trees, I began to seek more information about the plans. A city commissioner confirmed that all trees will be taken out, but reassured me that they will be replaced or replanted. When I went to City Hall to learn more about the plans for the trees I was given access to two documents. A blue print on file shows the existing trees on the site. This document includes a handwritten note at the top that READS: "Relocate 71 palms, remove 10 cedar trees total diameter 134 inches, remove 5 oak trees total diameter 54 inches, relocate 1 pecan off island".
The second document is The Cedar Key Village Application document from V. Gail Easley, dated 12-9-05. Pages 5 & 6 deal with trees. It states that the "Tree replacement standards - requires inch for inch replacement and square foot for foot replacement". Six additional paragraphs detail information that must be submitted to the city prior to approval of any building or other local permit. For example a detailed landscaping plan demonstrating compliance with City standards is required. Where are the documents to verify that all these requirements have been fulfilled? Where is the specific information on the placement of relocated trees requested in the application. How do you replace cedars that are 25 to 100 years old?
Have specific locations for the palms been selected? If so, where will they be replanted? At the City Park, Marina, parking areas, pocket parks, adjoining properties, and/or to private citizens? Is the City prepared to accept, locate, water and care for these trees? Who will monitor the compliance? How many trees can we save? If these required documents exist, why are concerned individuals unable to see them? Can local organizations of caring citizens play a role in saving Cedar Key`s trees?
We're all for the preservation of historic buildings and positive economic development, jobs, and other benefits that can come from this project. But other parts of Florida make clear what happens when local communities and governments don`t stand firm to protect their natural resources. In so much of Florida the opportunity was lost long ago. But in Cedar Key we still have the ability to make sure we don't sacrifice important natural amenities such as trees as we grow and develop. As we watch this complex development unfold, let's work together to ensure it is completed without irreparable damage to the natural beauty that draws people to Cedar Key in the first place .
Mary Stone,
Cedar Key Citizen |
