Annexation the controversy Category

Category: Annexation the controversy

All about Annexation and Sebastian

Why would I ever want to wade into this subject?

It can be political suicide or it can be a positive discussion.

Let’s go back to pre 2019. There was a proposal for a large (Graves Brothers)

annexation and it was initially handled poorly with little focus on public participation.

That coupled with poor turnout for the 2020 election, unseated good councilpersons

and created what was to be a landmark year of governance by a 3 to 2 majority

which resulted in a record (for the whole country) RECALLof 3 councilpersons.

After that the council became stronger, lessons were learned and

the same annexation was work-shopped, public discussion was significant,

rules were established and over an appropriate time, the annexation was approved.

Because of that annexation (and time will tell), we will eventually see a “Best in Class”

developed small city within a city,

well planned and the envy of other counties in Florida.

When well planned and improved

it will not affect the quality of the St Sebastian River or lagoon.

So now it is 2025 and in November we will have four (hopefully) incumbents

and one shiny new councilperson.

During the election process forum someone will ask the candidates

“What do you think of annexation and would you approve another one?”

The answer should be this…….

If the annexation is within and adjacent to the practical boundaries of our borders,

(especially on Indian River Dr

) we should work diligently to make it happen.

If the proposed annexation could prevent further encroachment of poorly chosen projects

approved by others,

then we should actively work to gain more adjacent waterfront or US Hgwy 1 property

to control the quality of development with our strong P&Z and Codes and visions.

(Translated that means no more storage sites,

car washes, dollar stores, auto parts stores or similar).

If the annexation is random, remote, outside our area,

proposed for some ulterior purpose,

then we should evaluate it as state law requires and pass it up.

If not, that would make us like other counties to our south and

irresponsible to voters and residents who live in Sebastian for what it is.

I maintain that if waterfront residents had not rejected earlier attempts

by Sebastian to annex the waterfront years ago

we would not have that monster hotel today.

It would never passed our P&Z or council.

Now you can decide for yourself …

if this discussion makes sense to you.