Gainesville developer Rick Thompson returned to Cedar Key with plans for 250 home sites adjacent to his development known as Cedar Key Plantation. The October 19 commission meeting also gave final approval to platting of eighteen lots in the Anchor Cove development off Gulf Boulevard. Other meeting agenda items included reappointment of two Local Planning Agency members and several items addressed by Commissioner Heath Davis. Furthermore, dates for Trick-or- Treating and a postponed commission meeting were set.
The Thompson development, called Marsh Harbor, is partially marsh and partially upland about one quarter mile from the coastline. As presented by a consultant hired by Mr. Thompson, the development appears to be based on bonus credits that would allow 250 one-acre home sites rather than one site per twenty acres under Levy County regulations. The presentation dominated the commission meeting. The location of the development is south of State Highway 24, just inland from a proposed thirty-seven home development by the Chiefland Andrews family.
Following presentation of numerous maps by Mr.Thompson`s consultant, Commissioners and audience members raised many questions. The questionable classification of marsh land as a part of a forestry-housing development came first. Old dump sites and the impact of250 homes on fire protection and school enrollment soon followed. Perhaps the most critical question was how 250 homes fit into uplands surrounded by marsh. There were no questions about the Andrews development which lies along the coast immediately south of the Thompson project.
After the meeting Mayor/Commissioner Paul Oliver said that "the planners have a lot of work to do!" Commissioner Sue Colson said that she was speechless. She then recovered to say,"These new experts have found new loopholes." She added that many Levy County residents are still in flood conditions and now there are plans to build more houses on low ground. Two other commissioners had "no comment." Dr. John Andrews expressed concerns about the project`s potential for water pollution and impact on services.
In other business, The Commission gave approval to final platting of the eighteen lots in the Anchor Cove development off Gulf Boulevard. Also, Commissioner Heath Davis discussed the need for clear regulations and enforcement of cemetery plot boundaries and business use of the city`s right-of-way. Lastly, Davis proposed that the city fund a student writing contest with $1050. The proposal passed unanimously.
The Commission set Saturday, October 30 as the evening for Trick-or Treating. It also postponed its November 2 meeting to November 9 to avoid conflict with election activities at City Hall on the second. | 