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Backers of luxury RV resort not giving up

Even though the developer trimmed the number of units from 810 to 499, the county said it was simply too big to go next to Big Lake Spivey.

By CATHERINE E. SHOICHET
Published March 2, 2006

INVERNESS - Attorney John Eden IV said he is considering legal action against the county in the wake of county commissioners' unanimous vote against a proposed 499-unit RV park on his family's property.

"I'll be exploring all of my legal and equitable remedies," he said.

Meantime, opponents of "Preservation Pointe" praised commissioners for standing behind the county's comprehensive plan and protecting Big Lake Spivey.

Tuesday night's vote came after nearly four hours of presentations and public comment.

Developer Century Realty Funds said the age-restricted luxury motor coach resort would protect the environment and serve as a boon for Citrus County's economy.

"For the future of this county, this is a development that needs to be approved," said Ron Clark, an attorney representing the developer.

He said substantial and competent evidence from engineering, environmental and traffic experts showed that commissioners should approve the project.

But commissioners disagreed. They said the development's quality was impressive, but the location - on 207 acres next to Big Lake Spivey off State Road 44 E - was not appropriate.

"It's a great project. It's just in the wrong place," commission Chairman Gary Bartell said.

Commissioner Joyce Valentino said the park would be "too commercial" and would set a precedent that would encourage similar developments in the coastal lakes regions of the county.

Commissioners Jim Fowler and Dennis Damato said it was not compatible with the surrounding area. And Commissioner Vicki Phillips said the impact on the environment would outweigh any potential economic benefits.

The hearing drew a standing room only crowd to the commission chambers, and more than two dozen people spoke during the meeting's public comment period.

Marco Wilson, president of the TOO FAR environmental group, urged commissioners to note the opinion of the Planning and Development Review Board, which voted 5-2 against the project in December.

Joe Brannen, who lives next to the property, said the project would be too intense for the area.

"This project is environmentally unfriendly and will set a dangerous precedent if approved," he said.

But supporters said claims that the project would harm the environment were false.

They said it would not bring heavy boat traffic to the lake. Clark noted that Century had offered to pay more than $2-million to provide water and wastewater services to the development, including $500,000 for upgrades to the regional wastewater plant in Inverness. He also pointed to plans to capture and treat stormwater and use slow-release fertilizer.

"Certain individuals were quick to pass judgment without actually taking the time to learn all the facts," Eden said.

Former Inverness police Chief Joe Elizarde said Citrus County residents should support the project.

"This isn't a strip club. It's not a toxic waste producing factory. . . . I, too, am concerned about the way this county is heading and I think this is the way to head," he said.

In September, Century Realty Funds submitted an application asking the county to rezone the property from low intensity coastal lakes to recreational vehicle park.

At a Planning and Development Review Board workshop in October, several people spoke against the project. As the months wore on, opposition from neighbors of the site and local environmentalists mounted.

Eden and representatives of the developer spoke before the chamber of commerce in the fall to drum up support.

At a November planning board meeting, they said that rather than eventually building an 810-pad resort as originally proposed, they would stick with 499 units. They dubbed the project "Preservation Pointe," and said developers and residents of the RV resort would be committed to preserving Citrus County's natural environmental beauty.

Eden even climbed a 30-foot tree and took photos to prove that the motor coaches would not be visible from nearby properties.

"This is a very important project for us. We spent a heck of a lot of money. . . . My client has bent over backwards to do everything that the staff has requested," Clark said Tuesday. After Eden spoke before commissioners Tuesday, he asked supporters in the audience to hold up small square signs with bright orange lettering that said, "Vote Yes on Preservation Pointe."

Some people opposed to the project made their own, hand-written signs that simply said "NO."

In the past week, Eden said he e-mailed about 40 people to ask for their support. He described the project's advantages and asked recipients to contact county commissioners and turn out for the meeting.

Those who supported the proposal, he wrote, would be treated to a victory party with free food and an open bar at Stumpknockers and Coach's restaurants if the project passed.

More than 100 e-mails in favor of the project were sent to commissioners, Eden said.

"If it's approved, it's going to be something very well worth celebrating," Eden said before Tuesday's meeting.

But several opponents at Tuesday night's meeting criticized Eden's e-mail.

"We'll invite you to our party down at McDonald's," said Jim Adkins, who spoke against the project on behalf of the Hickory Hills Homeowners Association. "We'll have all the coffee you can drink, but it's a dutch treat. We're not giving it to you."

Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 860-7309.

[Last modified March 2, 2006, 01:32:18]