From: Gregg Sutton [mailto:GSutton@co.hernando.fl.us] Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 2:35 PM
To: Jason Evert[DialCordy] Cc: Verkerk, Hugh [Halcrow]; Charles Mixson [HC Engineer]
Subject: Dredge Spoil Site Permit Mods
Jason,
Charles & just had an informal meeting with Cliff Manuel re the spoil site. We agreed to go ahead with the spoil site permit as prepared & submitted & then, once we obtain the permit, submit some changes/alternatives/modifications to the permit. In particular, the Manuel’s do not support lowering the area you proposed for a conservation easement. They don’t have a problem with the conservation easement & they intend to use it for passive recreation, but by scraping it down, it precludes their use & they will not sign off on a conservation easement. You/we need to find other alternatives & propose them to FDEP once we get the permit. Cliff offered up areas around the Insteada property for placing into conservation easement as an offset. Unless your travels will take you over here in the next week or so, we need to set up a conference call to pin down various options & alternatives that will be acceptable to everyone. Please let me know your availability.
Gregg
From: Verkerk, Hugh [halcrow] Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 2:49 PM
To: Gregg Sutton[HC Engineer]; Jason Evert [DialCordy]
Subject: RE: Dredge Spoil Site Permit Mods
Gregg,
The DEP got our permit RAI response today…so those wheels are in motion.
Based on prior conversations with Doug Hyman…I feel confident that a ” notice to issue” will be forthcoming
But…I’m available to meet with you at your convenience.
We can’t let this last minute glitch derail this project.
I’m not sure if the Manuel’s are attempting to hold Hernando County hostage to affect a means to their own ends…or…if they have a legitimate claim.
But…my opinion on the matter is that the Manuels would not on their own try to develop that site because it would be cost prohibitive……if you think it has been difficult for Hernando County to obtain all these environmental permits..it would be double difficult …and twice as expensive for a private individual.
Hernando County has in affect given them a huge freebie here….when this project is done….the Manuels will be in possession of a piece of property that will have doubled in value without raising a finger….or opening their wallet.
Then too…the Manuels would have to get the cooperation of Hernando County to develop that site….
I hope you don’t think I’m speaking out of turn here.
Hugh
From: Jason Evert [DialCordy] Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 3:30 PM
To: ‘Verkerk, Hugh’ [Halcrow]; Gregg Sutton [HC Engineer] Cc: Charles Mixson [HC Engineer]
Subject: RE: Dredge Spoil Site Permit Mods
Gregg,
Hugh is right, of course. Plus, if our permit is contingent on performing on-site mitigation (and it is, as it stands), the DEP will require that at least a 25’ buffer along the restoration action will be established via a conservation easement (by the way, the conservation easement will NOT be available for building boardwalks, gazebos, etc). This hardly reduces the available area for the Manuel project. We formerly indicated a much wider area, up to 100’; this will make the acreage “trade-off” you just indicated in your immediately past e-mail more equitable. Post-permitting adjustments will NOT be able to get rid of the scraping down of the berm; I have indicated over and over to Cliff that they can still gain access via the berm of what will be the abandoned western boundary spoil site. Cliff has also indicated to me that he does not need the three westernmost lots. I strongly believe that IF the Manuels continue on this course, they are either (1) not being completely forthcoming with their future plans, and/or (2) are trying to take advantage of the people of Hernando County via a difficult political situation regarding the dredge project. I also hope I am not speaking out-of-turn, but I am growing increasingly frustrated that my (our) efforts over the last 18 months are being 86’d by someone who is taking advantage for personal gain.
Cheers!
JE
[...] county records show, our engineers conspired to get, only to have something to be able to make, “changes/ alternatives/ modifications” to later. Many millions of dollars more would have been wasted while our residents suffered. [...]
[...] note: Jeopordizing the Dredge and “To satisfy the [...]