HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrecious Property Preserved-1996 L/l / / � $IAA
DENNIS WAnfHE ORLANDO SENTINEL
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Precious
property ,
preserved _ ,.
County lauds °= . . ....-
land program
By Mary Brooks -
OF THE SENTINEL STAFF -'- -
DENNIS WAWME ORANDO SENTINEL
In just more than five years, Seminole Outdoor enthusiasts can experience na- ing on a branch or enjoying a bike ride,on
County has spent$13 million to save 3,800 lure— such as watching a butterfly light- the trail—at Spring Hammock Preserve.
acres—about six square miles—worth of than was—
as originally thought" Even as the county issues a final$5.28 mil-
environmentally sensitive land from develop- In 1990, 60 percent of residents agreed to a lion in bonds to wrap up the land buys, the
ment. maximum 0.25-mill property tax increase to threat of development continues for remaining
That tally includes about 2,500 acres the raise about $20 million to buy sensitive land. pristine lands.
county purchased jointly with various state The idea was to sell bonds to buy land and pay "One could probably argue that some of the
agencies, which chipped in another $5.7 mil- them off through property taxes. endangered lands may be in more danger as
lion. Residents actually are paying about half the development pressures and scarcity of land be-
County officials are lauding the Natural maximum tax increase authorized — .1335 gin to become a phenomenon,"-Rabun said.
Lands Program—funded by a voter-approved mills for natural lands. Some
property tax—a success. say there is a need to finish the pm
Properties purchased so far primarily lie gram euc un.
I think tn the program has exceeded and ex- along county waterways Johns sr the ,and Lake eJe- 'Tae [county this be last year ices
c u ty cos commissioners],"the public and the board [er lock The co and is Johns avers,and lake rty of let's accelerate ao tgis program because use tte prices of
county Rabun. joint state purchases,Manager sup.
lon The south Lake is considering more property of land are ,"going up n—the land is not getting
Ron a actua y going bet able purchases, tral along srida oo o Jesup and ay next to the Cen- any cheaper,"Rabun said.
'We're actually going to be able to buy more tral Florida Zoo on U.S.Highway 17-92. Please see LAND, 1(4
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