Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Residents and organizations write to oppose waste transfer station near Celery Fields


Board of Sarasota County Commissioners
l. to r. Ziegler, Moran, Hines, Detert, Maio, Administator Lewis, Atty. de Marsh

A sampling of some of the letters and comments that have come in from Sarasota residents in response to news of the county's granting a permit to James Gabbert for a Waste Transfer Facility (WTF) at Porter Rd. and Palmer Blvd., adjacent to public lands, near the Celery Fields, in full view of I-75. If you wish to add your own thoughts, see the link for the addresses of relevant county officials and personnel. Copy sarasotavision@gmail.com if you do.


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Dear Commissioners,

The Manatee/Sarasota Sierra Club is opposed to a Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Rd. and Palmer Blvd.

The transfer sight and piles of construction debris being moved and reloaded will blight the Celery Fields landscape and birding habitat, impact roads and further clog traffic, degrade local small business and the character of East Palmer Boulevard.

This facility will be visible from the Palmer and I-75 overpass. The Board violated County Ordinance 89-35 and the Highway Beautification Act. in approving this facility.

We request that the county immediately take the strongest measures possible to contain and mitigate all anticipated negative impacts of this facility on the Celery Fields, adjoining public lands, residents and small businesses in the East Palmer Blvd area.

Sincerely,

Gayle Reynolds
S.C. Conservation Co-Chair
Manatee/Sarasota Sierra Club
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"I disagree with the county's decision to approve a waste transfer station to occupy the property located at the corner of Porter RD and Palmer BLVD. It is my opinion which is based upon my daily commute to take my child to school at Sarasota Christian School every weekday and then traveling to my office located at 640 Apex Rd." -- Detailed letter from a businessman with an office in one of the office parks in the area See the entire letter here. 
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Dear Sarasota County Commissioners, 

We were saddened to learn that you had approved a waste transfer station for land near the celery fields.  We fear that the trucks, noise, and air pollution created by the facility will damage the beautiful environment that is the Celery Fields, both for the people that enjoy visiting the park and for the wildlife that live there. Please require that the owner mitigate these negative aspects to the extent possible, by requiring an indoor facility, fencing, and buffer planting. 

We hope that public lands directly adjacent to or near the celery will be saved for the public good, by extending the open space that the celery fields provides. Wouldn’t it be great to have some natural un-mowed fields for ground birds --that are rapidly disappearing and becoming endangered, such as meadow larks, bobwhites, and killdeer-- to use for nesting?
With development occurring at such a rapid pace and open space disappearing, it becomes very important to think what future generations will value.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. 

Sincerely,

Carolyn and James McLaughlin
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I strongly protest the county’s approval of James Gabbert’s Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Road and Palmer Boulevard.

Isn’t it bad enough that our coastal area has lost millions in tourist dollars due to red tide and now we want to openly invite all those driving along I-75 to see our utter disregard of any environmental protocol by having them look down upon construction debris? And they’ll be moving along slowly due to all the traffic already in this area. They’ll not be zipping by at 70 mph. The traffic in this area, while already bad, will only get worse when the new homes on the other side of I-75 at Packinghouse Road are sold. And just down Cattleman another mega rental complex is about to open with 100’s more cars clogging this already busy intersection, and you want to add big, ugly, sluggish, open trucks to the same area! You don’t frequent this area very much do you?

And that doesn’t even get into the problem of toxic cement dust covering the Celery Fields, a beautiful, thoughtful bird preserve, and those of us who live just beyond.

Furthermore, the Board violated County Ordinance 89-35 and the Highway Beautification Act in approving this facility. Mr. Gabbert has been hearing the community’s strong voice of opposition for years, yet he persists. What kind of man does that? What kind of public servants are you, to rubber stamp his proposal? I request that the county immediately take the strongest measures to remove all such approvals and look to installing businesses in keeping with the fragility of the area.

You say you can’t think of anything else to put there. Here’s some clean ideas:

·         Civic center
·         Outdoor arena
·         History and tourist center
·         Athletic facilities
·         New forested bird habitat to buffer the Celery Fields

 Thank you for reading my concerns.

Barbara Wolfe
Sarasota, Florida


Mike Moran
Sarasota County Commissioner District 1

Dear Commissioner Moran,

It is my understanding that James Gabbert recently received permission to build and operate a waste transfer station at the corner of Palmer and Porter roads. This is deeply concerning to me on several levels: 

I am a resident of this area living within a one mile radius of the transfer station site. Traffic volume and flow as well as the increase of noise expected by the additional truck activity will likely have a negative impact on our area directly affecting the area's standard of living.  

This will be directly adjacent to the Celery Fields, a water management project that has become a natural bird and wildlife habitat enjoyed by many county residents. The Sarasota Audubon Society regularly schedules activities for those interested in learning more about Sarasota's diverse wildlife populations. These activities could well be impacted by the operations of a transfer station that will undoubtedly create noise and disruption to the natural environment.  

Given these concerns, and not having seen a building plan of the site, I hope for the following considerations: an attractive visual barrier to minimize unsightly operations consistent with the Celery Fields and neighborhood traffic, sound abatement measures for the same reasons, appropriate hours of operation, appropriate lighting, and road upgrades (such as turn lanes) to maintain traffic flow.  

Thank you for your time regarding these issues and I look forward to any and all signs of these suggestions being implemented. 

Sincerely yours, 


Mary N.

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Sarasota County Ordinance 89-35 calls for "a park-like setting" along the I-75 corridor. . . 


Waste transfer truck


Celery Fields


"The Board of County Commissioners used its role of public steward to create blight where none exists." - Tom Matrullo

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Commissioner Moran,

I understand that the Gabbert Construction Waste Facility has been approved on Palmer Blvd. This decision was made despite overwhelming opposition from Sarasota County residents including an organized and extensive citizen effort to identify alternative uses for this property consistent with its surroundings.

It makes no sense to oblige the wishes of one person while compromising the Celery Fields (a nationally recognized wildlife sanctuary with an Audubon facility) to the east, and numerous commercial establishments to the west (including a grocery store and restaurant with outdoor seating).  The Celery Fields can't relocate.  A construction waste transfer station has other site options.

As a resident of District 1, please explain the rationale for this decision.  And since the Palmer/Apex Road intersection contains multiple parcels of surplus public lands, please assure this constituent that you will mitigate the negative impact of this massive construction waste site by designating the remaining adjacent public parcels parcels as a non-industrial buffer (e.g., parks and recreation areas).

Finally, do you hold public outreach meetings with your District 1 constituents?
If so, when and where will the next meeting be held?  If not, please do so immediately.



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We are residents in the area of this facility and are grossly disappointed that this type of waste plant was approved by you. We elected you to protect and enhance our surroundings, not make a dumping ground of them. There have been plenty of beautiful options put before you to increase the value of living in our lovely Sarasota and enhancing our birding and jogging surroundings of the Celery Fields. We elected you to protect us and plead for you to do so. 

All the residents will keep a close eye on this especially during future elections. 

Respectfully,


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This incompatible plan  must be mitigated every way possible, such as:
  • attractive buffering 
  • landscaping 
  • appropriate hours of operation 
  • enclosed facility (the plan calls for an open facility) 
  • compatible lighting 
  • sound fencing 
  • themed fencing - perhaps something linked to birding or the celery fields? 
  • safe turning lanes


Why spoil what we've worked so hard to build?

Nancy M.

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Gabbert and Maio are joined at the hip like Siamese twins when it comes to their determination to undermine the celery fields. It is apparent that they will not stop until they have succeeded thwarting the peoples efforts to save this precious property. Is up to the rest of the commissioners to put an end to their egregious activity once  and for all.


Is there no limit how many times the PEOPLE have to confront them ??

Robert & Patricia K.
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I protest the county's approval of James Gabbert's Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Rd. and Palmer Blvd. The sight of piles of construction debris being moved from trucks to bigger trucks will blight the Celery Fields landscape, clog traffic, and degrade the character of East Palmer Boulevard. Furthermore, the Board violated County Ordinance 89-35 and the Highway Beautification Act. in approving this facility. Mr. Gabbert has been hearing the community's strong voice of opposition for years, yet he persists. I request that the county immediately take the strongest measures to mitigate all anticipated negative impacts of this facility. MF.


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I am disappointed that the county committee passed the waste transfer station by celery fields. My wife and I moved to Sarasota last year. We chose Sarasota because of the beach which has been a huge disappointment with the red tide. So we bought a house east of interstate 75 because of the rural landscape and less congestion . Now reading the county committee passed a waste transfer station in the middle of such a rural and residential area is again very disappointing. When there is waste which is never a good material and not well regulated can seep into the ground just from gravity alone but from not being handled carefully. As business people that we are, known to sometimes turn our heads for convenience and profit , that will lead to waste seeping into the ground and aquifers regardless of what the so called experts say. Coming from NY you try to prevent problems  instead of reacting when its too late. Please reconsider putting an eye sore in such a lovely setting. I’m sure you would not be happy with a waste facility so close to living areas. 

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Comments via Social Media
Far from complete - just a sampling of comments from Sarasotans

This is awful. Doesn’t any of those elected officials care about anything decent at all? Everything is all about money. I’m getting so disgusted with politics and greedy politicians

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Yes, this is ALL they care about...$$$$$$$

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Total disaster for quality of life in the area, almost criminal for residents, commuters, and visitors on the roads, which cannot in anyway, as constructed, handle the volume of trucks and traffic this will bring.

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I cannot go back to see the damage they are doing to this city.

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I swear to God these people fly over a city/town and where they see green parcels they feel compelled to fill them. Nature be damned.

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absolutely!! There’s a tenant in appraising called “highest and best use” of land and it refers only to $$$.

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yes, so true. Best use defined by highest property tax.

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Sad. Where would be the last place on earth you’d place a dump? Sad indeed.

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 I thought all the protests had worked...unbelievable the visual and environmental blight this will bring. Sarasota will look even more horrible from the freeway than it already does. I wrote to all of them back then...will do so again. Sad, sad.

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Also got NO acknowledgement of my emails to any of them when I did write - arrogant & rude, I thought. Probably won't this time, either! 🤑😝

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Just what you need to see from I-75. Also, the traffic in that area is terrible. Are they going to widen Palmer?

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thank you for doing what I wish EVERYONE would do! Please call, email, write, send letters to the Herald Tribune, Sarasota Audubon, Sierra Club, etc.

The county obviously want this to go quietly under the radar and is counting on most citizens in Sarasota County to be unmoved and/or unaware! This is not over -there are four more pieces of buffer land for sale next to the Celery Fields. The county refers to them as “surplus land” (because they were not used in the flood control project). Not only are they NOT “disposable surplus land” but they are feeding grounds for the birds and wild life that make the Celery Fields a eco-tourist draw and its important that they not be sold off and build on!

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The bright side is we'll probably see more eagles. 
(Joking- there is no bright side! Uhg!)

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Voting has consequences.

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FREAKIN UNBELIEVABLE!!!! What is wrong with these IDIOTS

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Please remember this at the next election for county commissioners. We can now vote for a commissioner in your home district. One who will be accountable to the residents of the district.

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 voters have short memories. Developers have deep pockets. Commissioners love what’s in the pockets

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How many commissioner lunches did this project cost the developer?

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Interesting the WTF abbreviation can be understood in at least 2 ways. Given the amount of development East if I-75, and that area being a corridor to the highway and City I have always been shocked that this proposal was ever even considered!! Now it will look like parts of 301. Hardly something that melds with the beauty of Sarasota.

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maybe you’re unfamiliar with Mr. Gabbert. He opens up dumps all over the county with a small investment in his part, and then sells them to Sarasota county at a huge profit. We already have more than enough of his dumps.

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Where should these types of facilities be built? How about not smack dab adjacent to a premier natural area that attracts birders worldwide. Just stand on the boardwalk and listen to the foreign languages spoken.

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WE elect the people who make these decisions for US.

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can’t believe they voted for these people again. I really thought we were going to get new blood!!!! Supported Wesley and Rita

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Honestly, unless they have plans to widen the roads and create large turning lanes apart from the flow of traffic, I cannot imagine how this is sustainable in terms of the roads handling the traffic this is going to create. I imagine the trucks etc are going to be entering the WTF from Porter Rd? They've literally permitted this WTF directly at the bottleneck that already is causing brutal traffic. Commissioners shot down the other facility this guy wanted to build in 2017 because of traffic concerns, among other reasons. How is this enhancing anyone's quality of life, you know, aside from the politicians bought and paid for? Its going to impossible to unwind this once this WTF becomes the disaster it is destined to be in this area.

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it seems the entrance/exit will be on Palmer Blvd. near Bell Rd. Image is from the latest version of the plan. 

Image may contain: drawing
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Thanks Tom...for the clarification. This is just a complete clusterf*** in the making. Is anyone aware if there are road improvements in the offing ahead of this construction, which I believe I read will take up to a year to construct? Apart from the clear eyesore this will be, the traffic is set to become at best gridlock, at worst dangerous to the taxpayers.

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There are no current road plans, Philip, as far as I know. They have just reopened the Quad parcels - our public lands - for rezoning. The staff memo speaks of getting public input - but the immediate incentive was a study the Board paid for that ignored every actual condition - roads, surroundings, Celery Fields - and stated that the highest and best use of our lands is industrial. Some more info here 

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What are the options of a class action to halt the construction of this mess, and hold those responsible for permitting something that will clearly defile the community and quality of life in the area? Does anyone know if we have options or a hole card to play? I don't think its a reach or overreaction to come to the clear conclusion that this WTF is going be a very real problem for people that live, travel in and enjoy the area, and create dangerous road conditions for people/families/visitors.

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Well I intend to listen once again to the Board approval from 2015 - perhaps an astute legal expert (which I am not) might find something there that would justify such an action. This hearing begins at 1:52 

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 I read some report about "special exceptions" and the creeping damage they do to comprehensive plans. I'll have to see if I can dig it up.

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Didn’t Gabbert get shot down from trying to put this thing on Cattlemen? A stones throw from where he has authorization now? This is such a calculated plan, it stinks like his dumps. He’s known for a while all the housing going in to the east and beyond. He likely knew if his master plan got shot down he’d have this in his back pocket to tenderize the area plan. This reeks of good ol boy corruption from the head down. it’s blatant...is it within bounds?. I’ve watched all the video after 2015, and it’s clear this guys knows his business and is plugged into our county government... anyway, ground we’ve all covered. The calculated nature of this all is placing individual need ahead of taxpayers and constituents. There’s too much land to develop to the east to unseat these muppets though.Shame on any who approved this!

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The 2015 special exception was approved by Maio (who pushed for it), Hines, Caragiulo, Mason, and Christine Robinson. The hearing is rather strange and interesting - it's here, beginning 1:52 http://sarasotacounty.granicus.com/player/clip/3155...

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Maio and Moran in 2017 approved duel waste facility.. the other commissioners had moral compass.. is there a statue of limitations for approvals dating back to 2015? Hundreds of houses are going in.. life’s a bit different than 3 plus years ago.. traffic and congestion...

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I would love for an investigative reporter to unearth the motivation behind the commi$$ion’$ vote$ for this travesty.

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all 5 commissioners vote for this?

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In 2015, yes. [ed. note: the 2015 Board consisted of Maio, Hines, Caragiulo, C. Robinson, Mason]

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Palmer in the morning these days Is a traffic nightmare as it is..

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The most damning evidence in the previous hearings was the testimony from doctors and a former EPA researcher who said that the grinding of concrete in that area could release airborne carcinogenic particulates that could easily reach to Fruitville or the newer Tatum Ridge Elementary schools depending on wind direction. Its already provable that area can't take the additional traffic (its seriously potholing even now) after the county's own transportation director has testified that Palmer in that area forever will be a two lane road, even with the addition of 2000 new mostly high end homes in recent years on land that once held only cows and horses.

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While this facility is simply moving debris from small trucks to larger trucks, there will be dust (no grinding). However, the fact that this will be adjacent to parcel #2, which belongs to us, the public, could factor into the reopened planning the Board just began. That is, while the public has called for land uses on these parcels that benefit our communities, supplement the Celery Fields, and perhaps help the entire area become more walkable and consistent with the beauty and activities of the Celery Fields, the Board could "reason" that because Gabbert's WTF is right there, along with Bob Waechter's slovenly warehouses (next parcel south), the "highest and best use" can only be industrial. More on this here - 


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The reopening of the plans for the Quad parcels - OUR parcels - must be open, transparent, inclusive, and recognize that we are all stakeholders 

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LARGE PILEs of TRASH Piled HIGH ....for everyone to see ???? How can we allow this trash pile to be in our back YARD !!!! Someone got paid off !!!! SAD for this area ... imagine the stink TOO ... in our neighborhood ... from the trash 😵

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Of course someone got paid off -- Mayo for one by having his buddy push funds from PACs into his campaign.

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violated county ordinance and Highway beautification? are those violations grounds for a lawsuit? because this is sick!

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I asked a county planner about these violations and was told that once the Board has approved a project, it is no longer within planning staff's scope to address them. Of course that doesn't speak to whether planning ought to have brought them up in preparing for the public hearing.

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 or whether a private entity could sue them?

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Another suggestion I've heard: Demand that any commissioner that has received more than 10 campaign contributions from entities controlled by Gabbert recuse him/herself from any future decisions regarding the Celery Fields area.'

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Any commissioner who received $$ from Gabbert, directly or indirectly, is compromised and should have not voted on this issue in the first place.

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What a disappointing thing to hear. Not only for the park but that must KILL property values of the neighborhoods out there. Terrible location for that operation!

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"I am watching everything I loved about Sarasota being destroyed by people who are supposed to represent me. This may be one of the more overt examples of putting personal gain over the voices of the people and protection of one of the only sacred spaces left in SRQ."

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More Letters


. . . I attended many of the meetings and listened to those who spoke in protest . . .. It is obvious that those who have been objecting to this travesty have no voice; those who showed up, spoke up, demonstrated, petitioned and brought sustainable, low impact, eco-friendly ideas for the out parcels ignored.  That those who pointed out the negative impact this would have on housing near by; the clogged roads unable to bear this type of traffic; the unsightliness of having a behemoth of a construction landfill visible as people drive on I-75 toward what is, our beautiful Sarasota.  

At a few of the meetings, those against were given hope that alternative plans would be considered; a glimmer of recognition that this was a poor idea.  It seemed clear that Mr. Gabbert’s proposal would be denied. Funny how that was prior to the election; how everything shifted back to favor now that positions on the County Commission secure.  The timing of this seems off.

A huge amount of housing is being built in Sarasota County; a substantial amount of what is on the ground does not lie off of Palmer Road; it does not lie off of Fruitville.  It does not lie off of University.  The development of Sarasota’s LWR is small by comparison to that which is being built in Palmer Ranch; off of Clark in East County; in the West Villages, North Port and Venice; around Nokomis or Osprey.  Palmer Road is not the center of Sarasota County.  Not only is this location a threat, but there are many areas where this would be more appropriate; areas that do not have hundreds if not thousands of existing units of residential housing near by; areas that would serve the building boom in a much broader sense; areas that are designated for this type of industrial entity which would have little impact on a nature preserve or an above ground watershed that attracts thousands of people from around the world.

And yet, in your infinite wisdom, this is the only spot Mr. Gabbert can put in a toxic ‘reclaimation’ center.  Even though zoning was changed to accommodate two well-monied players this location still doesn’t offer reasonable, high truck traffic access off of I-75 without creating a hazard to existing residential and light commercial flow.   It doesn’t create substantial employment for those who live in the direct area nor is there low income housing for those who are likely work the few jobs that will be offered. Don’t bother pointing out the plethora of new apartment complexes on Honore; an average over $1,500 per month does not support the housing needs of minimum wage / low wage positions.

So please explain why this is the one piece of ground that Mr. Gabbert must have so he can build a copy of what he sold a few years back; that which is somewhat short distance from this location.  We know what that looks like; we know what that sounds like and if you pull up aerials, we know that it was not built near tracts of high density single family housing, retail businesses, restaurants or grocery stores; it is not directly on a school bus route and has minimal effect on area traffic, the intersection at Fruitville re-designed to accommodate commercial traffic flow.  It is not resting at the gateway of our City; is not going to be impeded by the ‘merging diamond' intersection at Fruitville and I-75 nor do I recall that anyone protested when this was put into the industrial park. It was not built next to the major watershed for Philippi Creek; one that has morphed into a beautiful preserve; and, should you think back, the County was directly involved in doing so.

I seriously doubt that millions of dollars are being spent to attract tourists to our area so they can witness poor planning.  Sarasota is rapidly turning in to the butt of an series of man-made and politically generated disasters.  We have a plastic candy cane sewage system which is decades behind where it should be, adding to the pollution in the Gulf; are experiencing over-building which is having a negative impact on existing property; we’re ignoring infrastructure such as maintaining roads, monitoring and controlling traffic flow; avoided the politics of red tide until it became one of the most costly and devastating events our area has seen.  And yet, you see fit to approve a noisy, toxic, airborne and ground water pollution-generating, debris center earmarked ‘light industrial’ near a beautiful watershed filled with wildlife and those who are seeing a tiny bit of nature in this rapidly 'pave paradise' world . . ..

We have elected you to protect our city; our county; our lifestyles.  We have not elected you to serve one poorly placed, profit generating, private commercial enterprise.

For the people?  Or is this simply a case of ‘Buy the Politician'?  Never forget - you have been elected to serve the people of Sarasota County who put you into office.  Allowing this to move forward is not serving your station, as an elected official.

KH

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I protest the county's approval of James Gabbert's Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Rd. and Palmer Blvd. The sight of piles of construction debris being moved from trucks to bigger trucks will blight the Celery Fields landscape, clog traffic, and degrade the character of East Palmer Boulevard. Furthermore, the Board violated County Ordinance 89-35 and the Highway Beautification Act. in approving this facility. Mr. Gabbert has been hearing the community's strong voice of opposition for years, yet he persists. I request that the county immediately take the strongest measures to mitigate all anticipated negative impacts of this facility. 

Regards,
Lory Cedano

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Dear Commissioner Moran,

I  protest the county’s approval of James Gabbert’s Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Rd and Palmer Blvd. because of traffic congestion issues and violation of County Ordnance 89-35.

The approved plan has the entrance directly across from Bell Rd. which will create the following traffic congestion issues;
  1. Traffic will compete to either turn from an East bound Palmer Blvd direction into Bell Rd or turn from a West bound Palmer Blvd into the Waste Transfer Facility using the same intersection. 
  2. No turn lanes on either East or West bound Palmer Blvd traffic which will cause trucks to sit in travel lanes while waiting to turn into the Waste Transfer Facility. 
  3. The above two issues will be especially pronounced between 7:30 to 9 am and 2:30 to 5 pm Monday thru Friday
The sight of piles of construction debris will be clearly be seen from I-75 which is a violation of County Ordnance 89-35 and the Highway Beautification Act. This sight is not seen anywhere else in Sarasota County. This sight can be mitigated by using an enclosed facility and landscaping. 

I request that the county immediately take the strongest measures to mitigate the anticipated negative traffic and blight impacts of this facility.

Sincerely Palmer Glen Homeowner,

James L. Smith, P.E.

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Re: James Gabbert receiving a county permit to build a Waste Transfer Station 1/31/1

To:
Michael Moran
Cc:
governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com
Bcc:
mloverid@scgov.net
mosterhov@scgov.net
jgrogg@scgov.net
skirk@scgov.net
countyadministrator@scgov.net
and 5 more...

Jan 31 at 7:40 PM

Sarasota County Commissioner Moran - District 1 

Please Mitigate in every way possible, Mr. Gabbert's permit that granted for land adjacent to public land. 
We are the stakeholders!

I protest the county's approval of James Gabbert's Waste Transfer Facility at Porter Rd and Palmer Blvd. 

The Board violated County Ordinance 89-35 and Highway Beautification Act in approving this facility to Mr. Gabbert. Not only that, but when purchased in 2014 this "Special Exception" from the Board in 2015 , at a "public hearing" that few if any residents of East Palmer knew about. 

You have been listening to your constituents for over three years now, and yet you have approved and totally disregarded thousands of e mail's and many hours of county meetings.

I request that the county immediately take the strongest measures to mitigate all anticipated negative impacts of this facility, such as :

Leaving the facility on Palmer by Bell Rd. will clog traffic from the light industrial, parks, residents of Palmer Blvd schools and many developments at the underpass. 

Six acres is small for such uses, and the location is just plain wrong. There's no evidence the county ever did a diligent site study as advised by the Federal EPA Guide for Waste Transfer Stations.

waste transfer stations decision making guide.pdf

Please consider the following :
  • attractive buffering 
  • landscaping
  • appropriate hours of operation 
  • enclosed facility (the plan calls for an open facility)
  • compatible lighting
  • sound fencing 
  • themed fencing — perhaps something linked to birding or the celery fields?
  • safe turning lanes

At least two legal considerations ought to have been addressed during the 2015 approval process for this plan, but neither appears to have been considered either by the Board or its attorney:

1. When the Board approved Gabbert's rezone of the six acres, it ignored a county ordinance that specifically requires lands along the I-75 corridor to present a "park-like setting." The I-75 Corridor Plan Ordinance #89-35, Exhibit B, Item M, states:

In recognition of I-75 as an area of critical concern, all critical area plans within the I-75 Critical Area of Concern shall be consistent with the following where applicable:
**(m) a positive image for I-75 through the establishment of quality development within a park-like setting.**

2. The Board also approved Gabbert's waste transfer facility in violation of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, which aims, among other things, to beautify highways by screening or forbidding junkyards.

The act called for control of outdoor advertising, including removal of certain types of signs, along the nation's growing Interstate Highway System and the existing federal-aid primary highway system. It also required certain junkyards along Interstate or primary highways to be removed or screened and encouraged scenic enhancement and roadside development.[2] Highway Beautification Act.

The Board's action violated both laws! This is not a question it is a fact- 

This Board did not consider the character, of an area fortunate to have unusual natural beauty as well as recreational and international tourist activity will suffer.

The Board's' role as the public representative had and has an opportunity to do something positive and of public value on our public lands.

Instead, the process has been a chess game in which the public is treated like an opponent that has to be outwitted through sneaky plan. When planning and considering the sale of public lands, the county commissioners have NOT considered the 15,000 + citizens, at all.

Should you need the 15,000 + citizen and world wide signatures, please let me know. 

 Kindly send a  (none automated) confirmation receipt of this e mail.
Thanking you in advance for your consideration and awaiting your reply, 

Paula Berkowitz
Sarasota County 
34240 

2 comments:

  1. To: Board of Sarasota County Commissioners
    From: Concerned Neighbor, United States Citizen, Air Force Veteran and Sarasota County Stakeholder
    Location: Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34240; approximately 0.9 miles from The "World Famous" Celery Fields.
    Page: 1

    The Public Lands, also known as The "World Famous" Celery Fields, offers a Unique draw to this area in Sarasota County. After spending some time, it is apparent that a considerable amount of Time, Money, Planning and Effort was involved. For those of us whom live in close proximity, I can assure are Very Thankful for efforts done thus far and are seeking to preserve.

    My Family and I relocated about 1.5 years ago. Given the proximity of our Home, I witness firsthand the Value that The “World Famous” Celery Fields brings to our Community. Outside of the day to day Resident Foot, Biking and Auto Travel on Palmer Blvd, there is also High Volume of Tourist from all over the World that are visiting 365 Days a year. As if the Trails, Fishing or Birdwatching isn't enough, it is Strategically Located near some of the World's Best Shopping over at UTC, an Awesome DownTown with Bayfront Setting, Beautiful Beaches along the Gulf and one of my personal Favorites (Next to The Celery Fields) Myakka State Park!

    The Public Concern and Outcry supporting the Decision of NO MORE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS; within very close proximity to Public and Residential Land is overwhelming!! Any Member of the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners that Voted Yes for Gabbert Waste is not listening nor making decisions that are in the Best Interest of the Public.

    This Notice is out of GENERAL CONCERN AND SAFETY for all Beings residing and frequenting the area for purpose of exercise, relaxation and/or simply to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, to protect the overall well-being of the surrounding Preserved Habitat for Nature.

    To be continued due to Character Count...

    - Billy Graham of Sarasota, FL 34240

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  2. To: Board of Sarasota County Commissioners
    From: Concerned Neighbor, United States Citizen, Air Force Veteran and Sarasota County Stakeholder
    Location: Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34240; approximately 0.9 miles from The "World Famous" Celery Fields.
    Page: 2

    Listen to the Voice of the True Stakeholders rather the Greed of a Select few. Come out and see for yourself. Families pickup and drop-off their kids as "safely as can be” over at the Celery Fields Main Parking Lot Entrance (Monday-Friday). They are My Neighbors, Good Sarasota County People… your Folks?! Teachers, Grocery Workers, County Workers, Construction, Firefighters, Medics, Pilots, Mechanics, Hospital Staff, Volunteers, Fellow Vets, etc… You will find them about and about just about everyday walking or biking. You know, just doing what we moved out here to do… Living, Life. The feedback received is that the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners don’t provide enough transparency in various Processes or Decisions that Directly Impact Tax Payers. Based on observation... One could see why One would agree.

    Have all Stakeholders been provided opportunity to review Evidence Proving No Negative Impact to Current Air Pollution Levels?

    Does the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners have Evidence stating No Negative Impact to our Drinking Water or any other Negative Impact to the surrounding Residents WellBeing and Quality of Life?

    In addition, I request Evidence that the Board's Decision to Approve a Waste Transfer Facility on an existing road already experiencing High Traffic Congestion due to the normal Residents Traffic pattern is in the Best Interest of Our Community. The congestion near the Shell Station during Morning or Evening Rush Hours gets worse daily. The Celery Fields entrance and Tatum Ridge/Palmer Intersection during School PickUp/DropOff hours are problematic as well. Is a recent Traffic Study and Plan for Future Growth available?

    I'm sure there are more questions that will come to mind. I'm also certain that some of the aforementioned information requested may have been completed and readily available. If so, please provide or direct the People of Sarasota County to such. If not, I encourage you to Listen to the True StakeHolders Voices because you made a Promise to put the People First.

    Thank you for taking the Time to read. I kindly request the aforementioned questions be answered.

    Look Forward to receiving a response directly from the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners soon!

    - Billy Graham of Sarasota, FL 34240

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