HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 09 28 Informational Item A
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM A
CONSENT
INFORMATIONAL
PUBLIC HEARING
REGULAR
x
September 28. 1998
Meeting
REQUEST: The Community Development Department - Planning Division is pleased to
inform the Commission that the City's Greenways and Trails application for
acquisition of key connected greenspace within the Town Center was
recommended for approval by the Florida Recreational Trails Council on
September 19, 1998. Final approval must be granted by the Department of
Environmental Protection Secretary Virginia Weatherall.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Board Item is to inform the Commission that on September 19, 1998
the Florida Recreational Trails Council recommended approval of the City's application
for the State to acquire key connected greenspace and trail parcels, dispersed through the
Town Center. The potential acquisition amount is $ 4,989,000 and will purchase land
that will provide public access to environmental preservation areas, multi-use trails and
public parks and greenspace. Although the State will hold title to the public lands, the
City will be able to lease and use the land. The land will be available for open space.
Construction is limited.
APPLICABLE LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY:
The provisions of 260.012 F.S. which state in part: "In order to provide the public with
access to the use, enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoor areas of Florida and in order
to conserve, develop, and use the natural resources of this state for healthful and
recreational purposes, it is declared to be the public policy of this state and the purpose of
260.011-260.018 F.S. to provide the means and procedures for establishing and
expanding a statewide system of greenways and trails for recreational standards by which
the greenways and trails system shall be acquired, administered, maintained, used and
expanded shall be consistent with the provisions of260.011-260.018 F.S.."
The provisions of260.012(1) F.S. which state in part: "It is the intent of the Legislature
that these greenways and trails will serve to implement the concepts of ecosystems
management while providing recreational opportunities, including, but not limited to,
horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, jogging, and historical and archeological
interpretation, thereby improving the health and welfare of the people."
SEPTEMBER 28, 1998
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA ITEM A
Page 2
The City Commission has expressed its interest in developing the new Town Center with
a system of greenways and open space.
CONSIDERA TIONS:
. On April 13, 1998, the staff informed the Commission it expected to submit two (2) grant
applications, one to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (Florida Community
Trust) and to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, (Office of Greenways
and Trails) in an attempt to receive grant funds to purchase land for greenspace and trails
within the Town Center.
. The City's application was ranked # 6 out of20 applications that are recommended for
approvaL
. The Greenways and Trails Acquisition Program acquires land for public greenspace and
trails. There is no local match required in this program, but ownership is retained by the
State.
RECOMMENDATION:
Information Only
COMMISSION ACTION: