Maybe more development isn't a good idea

This is what the Southwest Florida Water Management Group thinks about Anna Maria's COMP Plan revision proposal:

January 6, 2011

Mr. Ray Eubanks Division of Community Planning Florida Department of Community Affairs 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

Dear Mr. Eubanks:

In accordance with Section 163.3184, Florida Statues, Southwest Florida Water Management District has reviewed plan amendment Anna Maria 11-1. Our comments are as follows:
This amendment proposes to revise the conservation category to allow limited single-family development. Approximately 60 privately-owned parcels are expected to be affected by the change. The material indicates the current conservation language, added to the plan in 2007, disallowed new development within the category for purposes of protecting coastal dune systems, beach sand and mangrove flats.
Most of Anna Maria is considered susceptible to storm surge and flooding, due to its inclusion in the FEMA 100-year flood and storm surge category 1 (i.e., coastal high hazard area) designations. Opening additional land to development, such as this amendment would do, would increase the number of persons exposed to natural hazards. A local hazard mitigation plan should be in place addressing the emergency management needs of this future population prior to any development approval. Adequate shelter space should be part of the discussion.
The proposed amendment would allow less-restrictive development practices in areas with important coastal resources, particularly the coastal dunes and mangrove flats. Critical information for understanding the distribution and condition of these resources and additional management needs due to the proposed changes was not addressed in the material. These details are necessary for successful management of the resources. The District believes the resources provide important benefits (e.g., wind and flood protection), and consequently would encourage no encroachment where they exist. Examples of management strategies that could accomplish this include buffers, conservation easements and development setbacks.

Thank you for this opportunity to provide feedback. If we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Trisha Neasman, AICP Government Planning Coordinator