The professional planning group Glatting-Jackson, out of Orlando, together with County Staff, has begun the first of many presentations to be made to community groups as part of the public participation and outreach program included in the “Land Patterns Study” being conducted by Martin County. Your Taxpayers Association was chosen to preview the Consultant’s presentation of the “Future Land Patterns Study.” This means that we were given a presentation that was really still in draft form and was being tuned and evaluated for full release.

This study will explore different methods of preserving Martin County’s environmental systems and agricultural industry while providing for anticipated future population. The Taxpayers Association has supported planning because we believe that innovation is necessary to prevent Martin County being just another extension of South Florida sprawl. We look forward to a healthy, honest and open debate of any options presented as a result of this study. We also believe that all governments should be looking for ways to avoid the “that’s the way we have always done it” mantra.

We felt that the presentation given to us was professional. Our comments were well received, and additional input, questions and criticisms were solicited. Many of our concerns were focused on fiscal issues. We asked that all options considered by the study, including doing nothing, be subject to a fiscal analysis and compared against each other. We asked that quality of life standards also be included in the analysis of the options. Those standards should include, easing of traffic congestion, provision of open space, parks, environmental protection, a balanced economy and retention of our small town atmosphere. We asked for real life examples of each of the alternates to be provided, if available.

The study is just beginning and is still in the data collection, public hearing and explanation mode. We suggested that future presentations begin with a discussion and explanation of the reasons for the study, its timing and its requirement. The existing Comprehensive Plan requires study of future growth issues. An evaluation and appraisal report on the Plan itself is due next year. We suggested that this current study be used as part of that evaluation that way our $528,000 will not be wasted on another “shelf study” like so many others before. We also felt that the public should know that the cost of the study is not being paid for by our property taxes but from fees, including development review fees now paid by existing development.

Our discussion then focused on the land maps included in the presentation. We strongly felt that a map showing the properties already owned by the public and a similar map of properties that the public may want to purchase should also be presented rather than one single map that makes it appear as if we already owned the desired land. We requested that alternate acquisition strategies be presented to the public in order that we may understand the costs and source of funding of buying these lands. We expressed our concern and insistence that any land acquired by alternates to outright purchase must remain public property or open space forever.

We strongly urge all of our members and all citizens of Martin County to participate in one of the many planned presentations of the “Future Land Patterns Study”. Any community group can participate in these public presentations by calling David Graham, assistant to the County Administrator, at (772) 220-7129. It is easy and helpful to make your views known, and its very healthy to hear what others have to say. We look forward to an open, honest and successful exploration of our options. Knowledge and information are important tools. We need to encourage the honest and wise use of these tools.