HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 08 19 Statement from Eloise SahlstromCITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
1126 STATE ROAD 434
WINTER SPRINGS, FL 32708
407-327-5967
FAX:407-327-6695
15 August 2003
On June 9, 2003, I accompanied Michael Mingea, City Arborist, who had made an appointment with the
homeowner of the subject property on Stoner Road. Previous to our visit on June 9th, Mr. Mingea had
received numerous calls from adjacent residents voicing their concern over the land clearing activity on
the subject property. Mr. Mingea had visited the site and found that the homeowner did not have a
permit, and had issued a Stop Work Order.
The purpose of our visit on June 9, 2003 was to have a chance to hear directly from the property owner
and to ascertain his reasons for proceeding with the land clearing and to take phots of the damage. The
owner indicated that his intention was to clear out the rubbish discarded on site by a previous owner, and
to remove underbrush, trees and an existing stump along Stoner Road, inorder to give the property a
more manicured and tidy effect. The homeowner indicated that he had received a bid in the range of $8-
10,000, but determined that he could rent and operate clearing equipment himself and that this would
result in a substantial savings.
In our conversation with the homeowner, it was clear that he acted in ignorance and proceeded to
substantially impact this property and the adjacent city property, many times over any damage that could
have resulted had he been limited to hand tools. He was not aware and did not understand that a permit
was necessary. He did not know the boundaries of his property and that he was trespassing and clearing
vegetation on adjacent City property, and further, he did not know or understand the implications that his
clearing activity would have on the health of the vegetation or wildlife that he was wishing to retain. He
also did not have a prepared plan to guide the activity he was engaging in. The vision that he described
for his property was not the reality of what he was preparing through his land clearing actions.
The existing conditions of the site as of June 9, 2003, including the damage to the remaining vegetation
(both on tree trunks and roots) are documented in the photos and video clips.
I attest that the above statements are true.
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~~~'` ELOISE M. SAHLSTROM, AICP, ASLA
SENIOR PLANNER
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1126 EAST S.R. 434 BUS: (407) 327-1800 EXT 303
WINTER SPRINGS, FL 32708 FAX (407) 327-5967
www.winterspringsfl.org