IRC commissioner discusses county’s projects, priorities

         County Commissioner Susan Adams provided the Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River County with an overview of the commission’s current projects

         Adams “hit the big stuff and high notes” for members at the club’s recent meeting at Marsh Landing in Fellsmere. Many of those projects revolve around the environment. 

         With its first interdepartmental project, the county is actively working on a master plan to see what does or doesn’t work to preserve the Indian River Lagoon.  “What we need to do is fix problems,” Adams said. 

         Among other water projects, Adams identified Osprey Acres and Jones Pier. At Osprey Acres the county will divert storm water through aquatic plants to clean the water. A nature preserve is also part of the plan.

         The conservation project at Jones Pier includes a habitat to filter water, a one-mile nature trail, a nature center, reconstruction of a historic fruit stand, and picnic pavilions on a 16-acre site.

         At Blue Cypress Lake, the county has extended its moratorium on biosolids. “The property owner has been a great partner in this,” Adams said. However, she cautioned that just simply moving the problem north will not ease the situation. There needs to be a permanent solution to the application of biosolids, she said.

         Addressing Historic Dodgertown, Adams said Major League Baseball is bringing in a youth development program, and the county is confident the Jackie Robinson Celebration Game will continue at the site. The golf course property has been placed on the Civil Rights Trail. Eventually, the county plans educational markers along the walking trail.

         Adams also listed the county’s 2019 legislative priorities. Among the actions being followed are bills related to the health of the Indian River Lagoon, high-speed passenger rail, biosolids, recycling goals, beach restoration and renourishment, texting while driving, short-term vacation rentals, and affordable housing.

         That’s “the county in a nutshell,” Adams said.

         The next meeting of the Democratic Women’s Club will be its annual scholarship awards luncheon April 13 at Grand Harbor Clubhouse.

                                                                                                                                                                      — Brenda Krzczuk, DWC