Opposition to City of Clearwater Comprehensive PlanMayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Doran, and Council Members George Cretekos, Bill Jonson, and Paul Gibson: This letter is to advise you that the Clearwater Audubon Society is opposed to City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case No. LUZ2010-06002 and Development Agreement Case No. DVA2010-06001 related to the Clearwater Christian College. Our organization has major concerns with the project's potential impact on the local environment including, but not limited to, impacts on a nearby bald eagle nest (monitored by Clearwater Audubon Society volunteers), wildlife habitat, wetlands, floodplains, and the coastal high hazard area/coastal storm area. We also believe that the proposed amendment is not consistent with numerous principles and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. We understand that this proposal involves changing the land use of the property from Preservation to Institutional and would involve filling at least seven acres of wetlands. We also understand that the property in question includes a large amount of tidal wetlands, protected species of wildlife (including an active bald eagle nest monitored by the Society), floodplain areas, and upland habitats. We are strongly opposed to this proposal due to its inevitable major impacts on the surrounding environmentally sensitive areas. We ask that you please deny this request and ensure these irreplaceable natural resources are protected for future generations. Sincerely,
Mike MacDonald, President
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