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OVERLAY
DISTRICT PROPOSAL
PERDIDO KEY, FLORIDA
2009
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We have proposed a
public/private partnership with Escambia County to develop an
overlay district for Perdido Key, Florida.
In general terms, we
propose that the overlay district govern use, design and oversight
in keeping with the resort island theme to be developed. That it
address ingress and regress to and from the island. Provide foot
traffic access to the beaches. Incorporate all energy conservation
methods applicable with regard to general transportation on the
island and in the construction of residential and commercial
building. This could be in conjunction with LEED certifications or
Green Building Counsel codes; the main purpose being to reduce the
carbon footprint of the island to the degree possible. This would,
we believe, enhance the quality of life of property owners, visitors
to the island and wildlife, especially, threatened or endangered
species. In summary, we would like to see a community that would not
be forced to utilize automobiles to get around the island, but would
use alternative forms of transportation such as bikes, electric golf
carts and a trolley system. In addition with being in step with the
hot button issues that are dominating our political scene, this
approach provides for a dynamic marketing program that would
increase recognition of the island as a unique destination resort
and great place to live. More visitors means higher demand, higher
property values and a greater tax base for the county. This would
also provide the much needed demand for our small businesses located
on the island and we believe would induce an increase in other
resort related commercial business activities.
To accomplish these goals we propose the partnership hire a world
class land/urban planning company such as DPZ. The process of urban
planning as approached by companies like DPZ is unique in that a
great deal of time is spent in the community meeting with all of the
stake holders; citizens, businesses, government leaders and etc. to
obtain a flavor for how they would like to see the community develop
to provide the very best quality of life possible, while enhancing
the property value of the community.
The West End Committee currently has a proposal from DPZ totaling
approximately $320,000. We propose this cost be shared with public
funds and private funds for three major reasons:
1. So that all stake holders have a seat at the table, public
and private.
2. That the county is obligated to incorporate the plan into
zoning, land use codes and etc. for Perdido Key.
3. That the county provide to the partnership access to the
excellent county staff that have knowledge and expertise in this
area of planning.
The severe economic downturn has given us a window of opportunity
that we may never get again. Our property values have plummeted, our
small businesses are suffering and the county’s tax base has eroded.
Change is difficult for most of us to deal with, but at no other
time in recent history have we had a better opportunity to show our
friends, neighbors , business leaders and government leaders that
with change can come higher property values, a stronger business
climate and an enhanced quality of life for all to enjoy.
In conclusion, we have no visions of grandeur that this task will be
easy, especially from a public relations and information
prospective. We understand money is extremely tight; but we believe
that if private citizens are willing to contribute to this
partnership, the county will find the funds as well.
It is our hope that everyone will see this project for what it truly
represents, “economic development” in the purest form. Everyone; our
county commissioners, small businesses and citizens have expressed a
desire to enhance economic development in the county. For those that
have worked on this project, we have seen no other economic proposal
that generates the kind of return to our small businesses, citizens
and government that this small investment provides.
We have a very narrow window of opportunity to take advantage of
this proposal, but we believe that once the program is developed it
will bring Perdido Key out of the recession sooner and make it
stronger to weather any downturn that might occur in the future.
Simply stated, “Planned Communities” are better places to live than
those that are not planned.
Thank you. |
