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Residents stand up for springs

By ELENA LESLEY
Published March 3, 2007

CRYSTAL RIVER - Residents packed the City Council chambers Thursday to express concerns about proposed development on Three Sisters Springs.

More than 300 single and multi-family units are slated for construction on Crystal River's most coveted piece of undeveloped waterfront. The Planning Commission held its first public hearing Thursday to gather input. Residents had plenty to contribute.

"There could be real dire consequences," said Ralph DuBall, who lives across the canal from the property. "We don't want to ruin a beautiful natural resource."

Kurt Woerner, the city's director of planning and community development, said he understands that residents have environmental concerns. But he added that owners have the right to develop the property.

"If it complies" with zoning and the comprehensive plan, "it will go through," he said.

For the most part, the proposed development does. Plans include 69 single-family units on the waterfront and townhomes abutting Kings Bay Drive and Cutler Spur.

According to Woerner's calculations, 100 additional units could easily fit on the property, given current zoning.

He said his primary concern was traffic management.

The main entrance is now platted for Kings Bay Drive; Woerner said he would prefer to see roadway access off Cutler Spur. So would neighbors who spoke Thursday.

"If you don't drive that roadway, you don't know how bad it is," said Charlie Kish, who lives on SE Second Place. "It could be a dangerous situation."

Others said they worried the property simply cannot handle such dense development.

"They have to put pilings down and the limerock could shatter or fracture," DuBall said. "That could block the flow of the springs."

Because of the numerous environmental concerns, Woerner said the city will proceed cautiously.

"We don't get two chances with this," he said. "Mediocrity is not an option."

The city hopes to apply for a state grant to purchase land immediately surrounding the springs. A conservation easement already protects some of that area, but its reach is minimal, Woerner said.

"We can't stop development," he said, "but we can control it."

Elena Lesley can be reached at elesley@sptimes.com or 564-3627.

[Last modified March 3, 2007, 00:00:44]