February 1, 2012 CLICK HERE to print the letter from the Islandia I board to the owners of Islandia I. January 31, 2012 If anyone has not received a ballot for the beach project or has lost one, you can get a new ballot from Barbara Guettler. 772-462-2568 or e-mail her at guettlerb@stlucieco.org. January 26, 2012 The ballots for the proposed beach protection project have been sent to the owners of record for all affected in the project impact area. Two of the links below are pdf files from this mailing and the last is the most current summary sheet of the maximum cost of the project to each owner. You are encouraged to take the time to read and understand what this project is all about and understand the costs and benefits associated with it should it pass with a 51% majority of people casting ballots. A meeting is being scheduled in the Islandia I Social room to discuss the project next Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 7:00 PM. All ballots are due to the county by February 24, 2012. CLICK HERE for the letter from Barbara Guettler, the project manager, about the South Hutchinson Island Beach and Dune Restoration Project. CLICK HERE for the South Hutchinson Island Beach and Dune restoration Project Fact Sheets. CLICK HERE for the latest beach project amounts by owner within parcel, includes new early payment discounted amount of $1,002.86. CLICK HERE for the Stuart News article about the project, January 26, 2012. Note the cost in the third paragraph should be an average cost of $1,500 total per owner, not per year. This is corrected later in the article.   January 21, 2012 There have been many requests for additional information concerning the proposed property protection / beach project.  Numerous 'one on one' conversations have taken place, in addition to several group sessions and email questions answered.  There are two beach information meetings on Monday, January 23rd.  A 10:00AM meeting is being held at Island Crest, 10680 / 10600 S Ocean Drive in the Recreation Center. The afternoon meeting is being held at 1:00PM at Regency Island Dunes, 8600 S Ocean Drive.  Saint Lucie County personnel will be at each meeting to inform everyone the facts of this project so each owner will be able to make an educated decision when voting their ballot.  All questions will be answered and concerns addressed.  County staff has been extremely responsive to attending individual association meetings in addition to Presidents' Council Meetings.  It is crucial that each property owner receiving a ballot have the necessary facts of this project  to make an educated vote. Sincerely, Pat Patricia Pacitti, President Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island 772-229-0311 office 772-201-1466 cell 772-229-0140 fax   January 20, 2012 The link below is a factual document we ask that you pass out to your neighbors and membership. Property owners in the project area need the facts of their proposed property protection / beach project, to know what they are approving or not approving when they vote their ballot.  Ballots will be sent out in the next several days. CLICK HERE to read/print general information about the beach project. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. Sincerely, Pat Patricia Pacitti, President Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island 772-229-0311 office 772-201-1466 cell 772-229-0140 fax   January 19, 2012 Attached is a response to me from Jim David that answers several questions we had.  It also contains updated proposed assessment amounts and other important Information.  Dennis Phelan Begin forwarded message: From: Jim David <davidj@stlucieco.org> Date: January 17, 2012 11:47:25 AM EST To: 'Dennis and Donna Phelan' <phelan.dennis@gmail.com> Q.   When will notification of a SAD vote be mailed to all affected taxpayers? Will this mailing also include the ballot for voting? Will all affected taxpayers including county residents and non-residents (both out-of-state and out-of-country) be able to vote? When are public meetings scheduled? What is the deadline for voting? If there is a separate mailing with the ballots, is there a sign-up for absentee balloting?  A.   Project information including ballots will be mailed out this week (Week of Jan 17). Every parcel owner with in the proposed SAD boundary will receive a ballot and back up information. Ballots are mailed to the mailing address (both out-of-state and out-of-country) as listed with the Property Appraiser (same as property taxes).  The informational meeting will be held February 1, 2012 at 6:00pm. Ballots must be submitted by February 24, 2012. The ballots are all to be mailed to us; there will be no other form of voting other than the mailed-in ballots. Q.  Is the funding model for this project final or are alternative funding proposals still under consideration? The numbers I have were provided by the county for their December 20th vote and show the proposed assessment for Islandia to be $1052.23 one time or $178.58 per year for ten years. A.   As directed by the Board, staff is moving forward with the funding plan as presented on 12/20/11.  The current draft has the Islandia one-time assessment at $1002.77 and the annual assessment for 10 years at $170.29 per year. Q. If the ‘weighted’ vote is not based directly on property valuation could you explain what method is used?  Are the votes weighted based on the proposed assessment?  For example, an Islandia vote would be weighted 63x more than a Nettles Island vote? A.   Ballots are weighted based on the proposed assessment amount. Therefore, each vote represents the dollar amount of your proposed assessment and one Islandia vote would be weighted 63x more than a Nettles Islander vote based on the current assessment. Q. If state funding is approved for a regional project with Martin County, does this mean that the South Beach St. Lucie County project will be done under                    the US Army Corps of Engineers? What about Federal funding options comparable to those provided to the Martin County project you are petitioning to join? A.   Our one-time non-federal project will be bid-out by the County and not under Martin County's Federal project bid.  The same contractor may or may not be selected, but we may incur a cost savings if the same vendor is the low bidder on both, because of savings on mobilization costs.  St. Lucie County is continuing to pursue a federally authorized project which is most likely several years out.  It is too early in the Federal process to know what the Federal funding options might be for our project. Q.  When will the public documents be modified to reflect the new scope of the project defined as R-88.5 to R90.3 excluding the north section? In particular, what is the extent and specific location of mitigation reefs that will be built? Are alternative design proposals still under consideration, or is ‘Beach Fill to Restore the 1972 Dune with a 35-ft Berm’ the final decision? A.    Official letters have already been sent out to the State (FDEP) and the Feds (Corps) notifying them of our intent to remove the north segment.  Acknowledgement will probably be forthcoming.  The revised mitigation reef size has been established at 0.97 ac.  The Ocean Bay Park area has been identified as the proposed reef location.  We are still moving forward with the original submitted dune and beach design, which is contingent on receiving state and federal permits, which will exceed the 1972 dune and beach profiles.

 

December 29, 2011 Dear South Hutchinson Island owners,  The purpose of this is to request all of you to write three notes, one each to Governor Rick Scott, Senator Joe Negron, and Representative Debbie Mayfield requesting their help to regionalize the beach project and support the project with State funding. This is the first email to three critical contacts to obtain State money for our Associations' protection from future flooding.  We are asking that everyone in the proposed project area contact these individuals requesting the state to cost share their full amount.   In order to protect our buildings and property, and help to secure our project's place in the Federal process, it is critical we proceed with the best property protection available; the S St Lucie County Beach Project proposed for construction in November 2012.  Pat Pacitti, President Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island 772-229-0311 772-201-1466 cell 772-229-0140 fax PattP814@aol.com   To email Governor Scott, do the following: 1) Copy the letter below 2) CLICK HERE to go to GovernorScott's e-mail site: http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/ 3) Paste the copied letter into the body of the form on this web site 4) Add the required information including the drop down list for St Lucie County. 5) Enter your name and address information at the bottom of the pasted letter 6) Click on the "send" button      --------- Copy the letter to Governor Rick Scott below this line -------------- Dear Governor Rick Scott As an owner of property in the South St Lucie County Beach Project area, we are looking to you for assistance at the State level, to obtain Regionalization of the two adjacent beach projects. One area is south St Lucie County and the other is north Martin County. The St Lucie project studies have been geared toward this goal and both projects will be ready to go to construction at the same time in 2012 after Turtle Nesting Season. Proceeding with this cooperative effort of both counties, into one Regionalized Beach Project, will save both counties money, prioritize the project’s scheduling, and provide a healthier, longer lasting project. Regionalization reduces the cost share for St Lucie County and the local interests when economic times are felt by all. In addition, homes sit one storm away from sand filled interiors again. This past weekend was a strong reminder as dune vegetation was washed out to sea. When the legislature opens their 2012 session in Tallahassee many of us will be there to lobby and advocate for this worthwhile and essential project and to visit with you and other legislative house and senate representatives. Sincerely, (Your name) (Your Florida Addresses)   ---------------------------- Copy above this line ---------------   To e-mail Senator Joe Negron, do the following: 1) Copy the letter to Senator Negron, below 2) Bring up your e-mail system and go to "new e-mail" (Will be different depending on your e-mail system). 3) Paste the copied letter into the body of the new e-mail note body. Enter "MARTIN & ST LUCIE COUNTIES’ BEACH PROJECTS – REGIONALIZATION" as the subject. 4) Enter your name and address information at the bottom of the pasted letter 5) Enter Senator Joe Negron's Email: negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov   in the "To:" field. Click on the "send" button     --------- Copy the letter to Senator Joe Negron below this line -------------- Dear Senator Joe Negron, As an owner of property in the South St Lucie County Beach Project area, we are looking to you for assistance at the State level, to obtain Regionalization of the two adjacent beach projects. One area is south St Lucie County and the other is north Martin County. The St Lucie project studies have been geared toward this goal and both projects will be ready to go to construction at the same time in 2012 after Turtle Nesting Season. Proceeding with this cooperative effort of both counties, into one Regionalized Beach Project, will save both counties money, prioritize the project’s scheduling, and provide a healthier, longer lasting project. Regionalization reduces the cost share for St Lucie County and the local interests when economic times are felt by all. In addition, homes sit one storm away from sand filled interiors again. This past weekend was a strong reminder as dune vegetation was washed out to sea. When the legislature opens their 2012 session in Tallahassee many of us will be there to lobby and advocate for this worthwhile and essential project and to visit with you and other legislative house and senate representatives. Sincerely, (Your name) (Your Florida Addresses)  --------- Copy the letter to Senator Joe Negron above this line --------------   To e-mail Representative Debbie Mayfield, do the following: 1) Copy the letter to Representative Debbie Mayfield, below 2) Bring up your e-mail system and go to "new e-mail" (Will be different depending on your e-mail system). 3) Paste the copied letter into the body of the new e-mail note body. Enter "MARTIN & ST LUCIE COUNTIES’ BEACH PROJECTS – REGIONALIZATION" as the subject. 4) Enter your name and address information at the bottom of the pasted letter 5) Enter Representative Debbie Mayfield's Email: debbie.mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov  in the "To:" field. Click on the "send" button     ---- Copy the letter to Representative Debbie Mayfield below this line ------ Dear Representative Debbie Mayfield, As an owner of property in the South St Lucie County Beach Project area, we are looking to you for assistance at the State level, to obtain Regionalization of the two adjacent beach projects. One area is south St Lucie County and the other is north Martin County. The St Lucie project studies have been geared toward this goal and both projects will be ready to go to construction at the same time in 2012 after Turtle Nesting Season. Proceeding with this cooperative effort of both counties, into one Regionalized Beach Project, will save both counties money, prioritize the project’s scheduling, and provide a healthier, longer lasting project. Regionalization reduces the cost share for St Lucie County and the local interests when economic times are felt by all. In addition, homes sit one storm away from sand filled interiors again. This past weekend was a strong reminder as dune vegetation was washed out to sea. When the legislature opens their 2012 session in Tallahassee many of us will be there to lobby and advocate for this worthwhile and essential project and to visit with you and other legislative house and senate representatives. Sincerely, (Your name) (Your Florida Addresses)  -- Copy the letter to Representative Debbie Mayfield above this line -----

December 20, 2011

The note immediately below is from Dennis Phelan and highlights the expected costs per Islandia I and II owners should this proposal go forward in its current form. The cost apportionment methodology is the same as the original one in the first drafts (considers water front footage, inland acreage, and number of owners), the only thing that has changed is a reduction in overall costs related to reduction of scope of the project.

I would point out that the methodology being proposed has the Islandias paying for 9.46% of the total project, and in fact if you consider the four “Oceana buildings” and our two, we foot more than 25% of the project while two west of A1A properties pick up 2.5%.

I would recommend, if you have not already, that you take some time to understand the documents on the web site below, understand the cost apportionment being proposed and if you have any concerns, contact Pat Pacitti and/or the St. Lucie County Commissioners, e-mails are listed below.

If you are having trouble reading this small font, click here for a pdf version that you can also print.

Bert McConnell golphinut@gmail.com

---------- From Dennis Phelan --------------------------------------------------------------------

Below are links to two documents just received from St. Lucie County Erosion District. The first is a summary of funding required from all properties in the special assessment district for the South Hutchison Island Beach and Dune Restoration project assuming partial state funding. The second is a cost summary for the project showing the breakdown of state, county, and local funding.

Islandia residents would be assessed $1052.23 as one-time payment, or $178.58/year for 10 years. This funding proposal will be voted on tomorrow, 12/20/2011, at 2pm, by the St. Lucie County Commissioners.

If approved, each owner will have the opportunity to vote on this proposal in the Jan-Feb timeframe with 51% of ‘weighted’ ballots being required to pass. If passed, the project would be contingent on receiving the $5.34M in State funding in the March timeframe.

Regards, Dennis Phelan Director, Islandia I

Click Here for the spreadsheet for the methodology

Click Here for the project cost summary

---------------------- From Pat Pacitti ------------------------------------------------------------

As we discussed at Friday's meeting, attached is the updated Proposed Funding Plan which includes a substantial savings from elimination of the north project, and 43% state cost share.

I just received the attached information tonight. So far, I have a question about one property's amount which will be addressed with the county tomorrow morning. Please note your association's cost share and if there is any question, don't hesitate to let me know.

Additional project information meetings will be scheduled after the first of the year, so as people return, their questions can be addressed.

Pat Pat Pacitti, President Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island

772-229-0311 772-201-1466

cell 772-229-0140 fax

PattP814@aol.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Lucie County Commissioners

District 1 Chris Dzadovsky dzadovskyc@stlucieco.org

District 2 Tod Mowery moweryt@stlucieco.org

District 3 Paula A. Lewis LewisP@stlucieco.org

District 4 Frannie Hutchinson hutchinsonf@stlucieco.org

District 5 Chris Craft Craftc@stlucieco.org

December 19, 2011

Happy Holidays Everyone, below is a link to a summary of Friday's meeting (December 16, 2011) held at Shuckers.    The document was put together by Mike Morin and me. As you will read, this is good news for your property's protection.  We will be scheduling more informational meetings after the first of the year so everyone in the proposed project area will have the availability to attend. I just want to wish everyone a very Happy & Healthy Holiday.    Sincerely,
Pat
Patricia Pacitti, President
Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

Click Here to read/print the summary of the December 16th meeting from Pat Pacitti

December 16, 2011 

I attended the beach funding update at Shuckers this morning.  The meeting was opened by Patti Pacitti, then turned over to Jim David from the county. This is a summary of the pertinent facts.  The “opt-out” of Sand Dollar Shores has been accepted by the county’s committee.  A formal ‘opt-out’ request is anticipated to be received by Dune Walk this Monday and is planned to be accepted.  A similar request is not required by Ocean Bay Villas as they only have an easement to the beach and do not own oceanfront property.

• The project has been redefined to exclude the north section (R-88.5 to R90.3).  This reduces the impact to hard bottom communities, which require mitigation, from 2.73 acres to 0.6 acres. The project has been re-estimated at a cost of $12.5M including initial beach restoration, mitigation reefs, monitoring, finance and administrative costs.  A funding request has been submitted to the State based on cost sharing as a regional project with Martin County.
• The county committee evaluated 4 different funding alternatives and will make a recommendation this Tuesday, 12/20/2011, to the Commissioners.  Charles Grande’s proposal was rejected because it would require a countywide referendum.  Their recommendation will be to do a special assessment of all property owners in the project area east of A1A based on the same formula of beach frontage, property depth, and number of units as originally proposed.
• If the Commissioners accept the committee’s funding recommendation, here are the specifics of how it will proceed.
• A ballot vote of all affected residents will be conducted. Ballots will be mailed in January to each taxpayer east of A1A in the project area showing what their individual assessment will be.  Public meetings will be held and voting finalized by mid-February.
• Approval of 51% by weighted ballot is required or the project will be dropped.  The ballot will state that final approval is contingent on receiving the required state funding which is anticipated in the March timeframe. If funding is finalized, the project would begin in November 2012 as a joint regional project with Martin County.
• The funding breakdown is $5.3M (State) + $2.9M (County) + $4.3M (Local) = $12.5M Total
• The “average” cost per owner is $1447 or $228/year over 10 years
• Specific costs per property will be available on Tuesday and emailed to me.  Recall that the costs at Islandia were almost double the average cost.
• FEMA guidelines were reviewed that say a beach must be routinely maintained at least every 5 years to qualify for federal assistance. The project area as defined was last re-nourished in 2006.

 Best regards, Dennis Phelan, Islandia I Board of Directors

If you want to print the above summary, CLICK HERE

 

December 14, 2011

 

This past Wednesday, December 7,  Pat Pacitti and Charlie Grande held an information meeting on the beach project.   

Charlie passed out the e-mail on the funding. He was questioned on whether voting in a 2nd Erosion Control District even to cover a small portion of this expense would not give the commissioners a vehicle to charge future renourishment projects to.

Charlie conceded that it could but he trusts the commissioners.  He ended up agreeing that the wording would have to preclude future charges.

Mike Morin (President of Island Dunes, Oceanside Building #1) spoke to the recap he prepared.  I think he sees value in the project with the larger berm and over 200 feet of beach.  We need to see if we fully understand the scope of the project and its environmental impact.

I asked Pat if she might be available to hold an East meeting for both of our buildings in January and try to bring everyone up to speed, and she agreed to do so.

CLICK HERE for the link to a pdf file which has a scanned copy of a summary of the meeting, Mike Morin’s recap and Charles Grande’s funding letter.  Also distributed was the 40+ project description which was a repeat of earlier postings on this site under other days and is not included in this pdf to reduce its size..  

 Tom Gilson

NOTE: All of the pdf files related to this project are very large so if you want to read them, they could take several minutes to load, depending on the speed of your computer’s connection to the internet.

December 5, 2011

Wednesday, December 7th, at 2:00PM in Regency's south building, there will be a beach project educational session. 

 

It will address the process of what it takes to get a sustainable shore protection project; where we are now; and what direction will the future hold.

Pat

 

Patricia Pacitti, President
Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

Below is a link to the December edition of Florida Shore & Beach Preservation's monthly newsletter called "Shoreline".  The first part of the Newsletter is about the upcoming National Beach Technology Conference in February.  MOST IMPORTANTLY is the article beginning on Page 8 which goes into Florida's funding appropriation's outlook for 2012 followed by the article about law changes by DEP, etc.  This information has a direct impact on what happens on every Florida beach, including this area.  $92 million in beach funding requests have been received for projects throughout the state.  $21 million was allocated to be divided according to project priorities.

http://www.fsbpa.com/documents/1211Shoreline.pdf

 

American Shore and Beach Preservation Association e-newsletter (ASPBA)

This is your link to the December 2011 ASBPA e-newsletter: http://www.asbpa.org/1211asbpa.pdf

In this issue:

Call on Congress to support our coastal infrastructure. Coastal Summit 2012: "America's Coastal Future." Nominations for Summit 2012 awards deadline Jan. 6.Contributed funds authority gains traction in Congress. We need your feedback through our online communications survey. Beach News Services articles for November.

EVERYONE who lives on the beach should have an interest in what the outlook is for beach building since healthy beach & dune systems are the only protection from your property's largest threat - the Atlantic Ocean.

Pat

Patricia M Pacitti, ARM, LCAM

Property Manager
Regency Island Dunes Association, Inc.
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

 

December 4, 2011

The Department of the Army, Jacksonville Corps of Engineers has published a public notice related to the proposed beach work on Hutchinson Island. Click on the link below to see this notice.

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Regulatory/pnwebshare/Florida_Public_Notices/20111201-SAJ-2009-03448.pdf

December 3, 2011

Please read the below email informing everyone of the Erosion District Board Meeting scheduled for December 20th at 2:00PM.  This is an important meeting if you wish to find out what direction the Erosion District is recommending to the Board of County Commissioners for the South St Lucie County Beach Project. 
The meeting is for informational purposes only.

 

Pat Patricia Pacitti, President
Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

 

From: Barbara Guettler
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 2:13 PM
To: Liz Martin; Richard Bouchard; Jim David
Subject: SHI SAD “South Hutchinson Island Beach and Dune Restoration
As an effort to keep you informed:

 

On December 20, 2011 at 2:00pm, the St. Lucie County Erosion District Board will meet in the Board of County Commission Chambers regarding the proposed South Hutchinson Island Beach and Dune Restoration project. This is not a public hearing or regular Board meeting and no formal action will be taken. This meeting is being held to simply update the Board on the status of the project; therefore, your attendance is welcome but not required. We are anticipating the informational meeting involving all parcels owners to be held in January. Each parcel owner will be notified my mail of the informational meeting at least two weeks prior to the meeting being held.
Thank you for your continued patience in allowing St. Lucie County time to investigate all options with regards to this project. “ Barbara Guettler
St. Lucie County BOCC
Engineering - MSBU Project Manager
772.462.2568

December 2, 2011

Please take some time and peruse the information in the two links below.  As you will see in the first document, there is tremendous support for the project from many of you and your neighbors. 
The cost share is being worked on with the county.  Charles Grande is head of the funding committee and as soon as there is information (expected after 12/9/11), it will be shared with all of you. 

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Regulatory/DOCS/interest/StLucieCo/Draft-EIS/AppendixA.pdf

· This 229 page document shows local support & participation in -
      ~  the St Lucie County Planning Charette held April 30, 2007,
      ~  the state Pre-Application Meeting held February 7, 2008,
      ~  the local St Lucie County Planning Charette Summary of
                 Public Comments  April 29, 2009, 
      ~  federal Scoping Meeting Public   Meeting May 19, 2010, and
                 environmental agencies' comments.

     http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Regulatory/DOCS/interest/StLucieCo/Draft-EIS/201105_SLC-DEIS.pdf

· This link is to the Federal Army Corp's presentation of the scientific, biological, and environmental tests, which were required to minimize the impact the proposed project will have on the area. This is a substantial document and answers concerns raised by numerous environmental agencies.

I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving.  The November / December Meeting will be scheduled shortly.

Sincerely,

Pat  Patricia Pacitti, President
Presidents' Council of S Hutchinson Island

772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

October 13, 2011

Click HERE to view the letter in the local papers today related to the Beach Project being considered on Hutchinson Island.

Click HERE for the full discussion on the TCPALM web site.

----------------------------------------------------

October 12, 2011

Dear Membership,

Below is a letter to Senator Joe Negron. The Senator's correct email address is also below. 

In order to obtain a lesser cost share amount, we need everyone to write to him to get the State of Florida's participation in Regionalizing the S. St Lucie County Beach Project with Martin County's in 2012.

This will mean up to a 66% reduction in the one-time per unit cost. 

Senator Negron’s email address is: negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov

-------------------------------------------------------

October 11, 2011

Senator Joe Negron
3500 SW Corporate Parkway, Suite 204
Palm City, FL 34990

RE:   MARTIN & ST LUCIE COUNTIES’ BEACH PROJECTS – REGIONALIZATION

Dear Senator Negron:

As an owner of property in the South St Lucie County Beach Project area, we are looking to you for assistance at the State level, to obtain Regionalization of the two adjacent beach projects. One area is south St Lucie County and the other is north Martin County. The St Lucie project studies have been geared toward this goal and both projects will be ready to go to construction at the same time in 2012 after Turtle Nesting Season.

Proceeding with this cooperative effort of both counties, into one Regionalized Beach Project, will save both counties money, prioritize the project’s scheduling, and provide a healthier, longer lasting project.  It is a “win win” situation for both counties.  Regionalization reduces the cost share for St Lucie County and the local interests when economic times are felt by all. In addition, homes sit one storm away from sand filled interiors.  This past weekend was a strong reminder as dune vegetation was washed out to sea.

Ken Pruitt helped to begin Regionalization and was a strong supporter of this goal. We now ask that you carry the torch to achieve it.

Sincerely,

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 26, 2011

The letter below was sent to Senator Joe Negron regarding regionalization of the Martin County and St Lucie County beach projects. Pat Pacetti is encouraging all owners of properties on the beach on Hutchinson Island to send a similar letter to Senator Negron to encourage his leadership on this matter.

Senator Negron's web site is http://www.flsenate.gov/senators/s28.

Senator Negron's e-mail address is negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 25, 2011

Senator Joe Negron

3500 SW Corporate Parkway, Suite 204

Palm City, FL 34990

RE:   Martin & St. Lucie Counties’ Beach Projects – Regionalization

Dear Senator Negron:

We write to you to ask for your full support to represent our best interest to push Regionalization of the two adjacent beach projects.

Regionalization will save both counties money, prioritize the project’s scheduling, and provide a healthier, longer lasting project. Regionalization reduces the cost share for the counties and the local interests when economic times are felt by all; and our homes sit one hurricane away from sand filled interiors again.

Ken Pruitt helped to begin Regionalization and we ask that you carry the torch for us to achieve it.

Sincerely,

Pat Pacitti, President
Presidents’ Council of S Hutchinson Island
772-229-0311 office
773-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 26, 2011

Hi Everyone,
Please send the information below to your members so any new residents can be brought up to speed on the beach project. It is critical that owners make an educated decision as the outcome will impact this area for years to come.

Due to several errors in data, accurate information will be obtained and a new calculation brought forth.

We need to write to Senator Negron joe.negron@flsenate.gov
and push regionalization with Martin County. I am obtaining several other email addresses and will send those out with respective letters.

The most important part of the information below is the fact that the process we have made to get into the 50 year Federal Program will cease. If we do not proceed, the area will be forever vulnerable to the costs related to building the dune back after a storm surge (not to mention revisiting the interior damage).

Let us unify and get the ONE TIME cost down to protect our associations.

 

SHORE PROTECTION UPDATE – CRITICAL INFORMATION
September 25, 2011
Prepared by: Patricia M French-Pacitti, Presidents Council of S Hutchinson Island

HISTORY:

• In fall of 1999 one of the worst erosion waves impacted the southern St Lucie County beach area. An erosion “hot spot” was directly in front of the Regency buildings.

• The high tides took dunes at a rapid rate.

• The tides damaged property and washed over the dunes. There was damage to dune crossovers and thousands of dollars of lost landscape material.

• This resulted in DEP Emergency Field Permits being issued for several buildings to sandbag with Regency’s out of pocket costs close to $30,000.

• At the request of Regency’s BOD President, I attended a Presidents’ Council Meeting (11/99) and requested support for a Beach & Dune Committee, which the Council Members unanimously approved.

• Senator Ken Pruitt was informed, as was Richard Bouchard, DEP, USACE, Coastal Engineering firms, and the Governor. At that time, no one, including me had any knowledge of the beach permitting process to obtain storm protection.

• In 2000, due to the severity of the situation, DEP was ready to issue another permit to do a one-time beach scraping but all five Island Dunes buildings had to be involved. Admiral & Island Dunes joined with Regency in this project. The engineering and construction costs in the tens of thousands of dollars were borne by the unit owners in the five buildings.

• In fall of 2001 we had DEP Field Permit Writer back again and the five Island Dunes buildings needed another permit to scrape the beach. It was DENIED. We were approved to do a one-time truck haul to enhance the dune. This required a Coastal Engineering firm oversight, sand source, truckers, and bulldozers. The tens of thousands of dollars cost of the project was again borne by the unit owners of the five buildings.

• In the meantime, phone calls were received from other PC Membership associations being threatened by the erosion wave which was working its way south.

• The State of Florida and St Lucie County were working on studies to see if this area (Martin County line to Sand Dollar Shores / Dunewalk), could be considered a “Critically Eroded Shoreline”. It met the criteria. Senator Pruitt found $3 million dollars in state money (no matching requirements) to apply to this project.

• In September 2004, Hurricanes Frances followed three weeks later by Hurricane Jeanne, decimated this area. Numerous oceanfront associations had sand in their first floors, throughout the property, onto A1A. FEMA was activated and due to the fact this area was actively pursuing shore protection and maintaining the beach area in front of our associations, a one-time dune was permitted and paid for by the federal government.

• Since that time, several more associations & businesses have reported severe erosion. Now we begin the fall months when erosion starts its most active season, just hoping the fall high tides & winter months do not bring any nor’easters.

Throughout the past 12 years, many Beach Update meetings were held and now, FINALLY, we have the information on which to base an educated & intelligent decision to begin the long term protection of each unit owner’s investment.

 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do we NEED TO PROCEED with this project?

• YES. Every association in the south St Lucie County Beach Project area sits exposed; one hurricane away from sand and salt water inside of the first floors.       

• This project will provide property protection which is designed to last 10 years.

• This is a ONE TIME EXPENSE.

• This one-time expense provides protection during the time necessary for this project to get into the Federal Government’s Beach Program. (presently between 2018 - 2020).

• DUE TO VERY FORTUNATE TIMING, we can proceed with a unified push to Regionalize with Martin County, further reducing each owner’s cost.

• If there is a hurricane that results in a storm surge that washes away the beach & dune, The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT will rebuild THE PROJECT AREA AT NO COST TO UNIT OWNERS BECAUSE WE ARE ACTIVELY MAINTAINING THE BEACH AREA IN FRONT OF THE PROPERTY. That is the law.

• The state & county will continue to work with the Army Corp in the best interest of the oceanfront associations to proceed to the next renourishment and will then be in the 50 year Federal Plan with Martin County.

• Healthy beaches bring increased real estate values and higher turtle nesting counts.

• It is the fiscally responsible decision to make as it is a one time expense to protect your investment.

What happens if we do not proceed?                            

• The federal government (FEMA) will not help after another storm. The law is that oceanfront owners must maintain their beach area.

• Your association will be waiting for permits and paying for years to come to protect your property.

• The condominium buildings would be without a beach and protective dune until each association navigates the quagmire of bureaucratic permitting process for any storm protection which involves the beach or dune areas.

• The continual COSTS.

• If we are in violation of the law by not maintaining the beach in front of the buildings, the Federal Government (FEMA) will not provide any further assistance or studies to this area.

Why can’t we just each protect our own buildings when the beach gets really bad and the state of the economy improves?

• The state & federal government do not permit one property to do a beach project unless the entire cost is absorbed by the land owner and still – authorization is questionable. The cost will never be cheaper and can be paid over a ten year period.

Why can’t we install a sea wall?

• The state will not permit sea walls on the ocean as they eliminate beach areas and cause erosion directly to the south of the structure.

Have Pep type reefs or off shore breakwaters been considered?

• Yes. If we were to build a Pep type reef (helps build up sand on the beach), Jim David said he received an estimate of approximately $54 million and it’s highly doubtful it would get permitted.

Who has been paying for these studies you’ve referred to?

• At the request of the Presidents’ Council Membership Associations’, the county & state worked together fiscally on whether or not a beach project for our area was justified. There are many areas investigated in each part of each study.

• Now it has been proven the area is “Critically Eroded”. It is each unit owner’s time to be a part of that large cooperative affect as each oceanfront owner is a major beneficiary of the work.

• Proven responsible oceanfront owners get cooperation of all governmental levels to synchronize the required environmental studies. No beach project can proceed without mandated studies which have cost the state & county $3.2 million.

Do we have to pay the state and county any of the $3.2 Million they have spent?

• No. The $3 million that Senator Pruitt applied to the S St Lucie County Beach Project area did not require matching funds.

In unity, what can we do to lower the per unit cost?

• Strongly promote regionalization by writing to Senator Negron, DEP, & County Commissioners. Stress the benefit of project sustainability; cost savings to both counties, and local residents support. The regionalization can save the per unit and county cost share up to 66%. THIS IS A ONE TIME EXPENSE.

Pat Pacitti, President
PRESIDENTS' COUNCIL OF S HUTCHINSON ISLAND
772-229-0311 office
773-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

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September 22, 2011

Dear Membership,

Yesterday's meeting was very informative. Now we have the worse case scenario as far as the per unit cost share for the South St Lucie County Beach Project. We all know we need the project.

Now, what we need to do to make this project happen at a reduced per unit cost is flood the state with "regionalization of Martin & St Lucie County Projects" requests. I will work on that letter over the weekend and send it out to everyone so we can get every unit owner's participation.

The next Special Meeting of the Council is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26th at 2:00PM, at Regency Island Dunes South Building. This will be a Special Meeting to address all of your questions and concerns regarding the South St Lucie County Beach Project. Please invite other interested unit owners from your respective associations to attend.

Commissioner Hutchinson will be present with several county staff. Senator Negron is being invited to attend. We will have a forum present to address all aspects of the project to enhance your unit owners' understanding of the beach situation in the state and the future of the federal government's involvement.

At this time, the "draft" bottom line is a worst case. What we all need to do is pull together to see what we need to do in unity, to get that amount reduced. If you would like to volunteer your time and energy to this matter, please email or phone me. I need your help.

Sincerely,
Pat
Patricia M. Pacitti, President
PRESIDENTS' COUNCIL OF S HUTCHINSON ISLAND
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

 

September 21, 2011

Below is a link to the DRAFT "Local Funding Plan" for the South St Lucie County Beach Project.

The information contained within, is not the final figure. It is the worse case scenario with only the county and local interests paying, with the island residents paying the lion's share.

Now, we will need to push the Regionalization of Martin & St Lucie Counties.

If you have questions, please write them down. The next Presidents' Council Meeting will be to address your questions with Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson, Coastal Tech, and Richard Bouchard. That date will be sent to you as soon as Commissioner Hutchinson lets me know her availability.

The County has spent $3.2 million on our project studies to get us this far. Now, each owner / resident needs to become active.

I hope to see you at today's meeting.

Sincerely,
Pat

 

Patricia M. Pacitti, President
PRESIDENTS' COUNCIL OF S HUTCHINSON ISLAND
772-229-0311 office
772-201-1466 cell
772-229-0140 fax

CLICK HERE to read/print the letter from the county

CLICK HERE to read/print the DRAFT proposal