We don't need to re invent the wheel so to speak.
A very successful model already exists.
This plan allows Martin County to tie a solution directly to one of our biggest problems.
Highly speculative real estate markets consume our precious open space.
The market would be the source of the funding for its protection.
The MCLB(Martin County Land Bank) would be operating in each specific case, as an arm of the county voter. We have never had this power to protect our land before. The power of self defense is long overdue and the Land Bank legislation will give it to us.
Funding the MCLB would be by a small tax on real estate transfers, for which we would need the permission of the Florida Legislation. The first program of its kind established in 1983 on Nantucket Island would be the muse to apply the conception of combining traditional land banking and Real Estate Transfer fees here in Martin County, Florida to compete with land speculation and the rapid consumption or our local open spaces. We never owned them collectively, however we are devastated sometimes when our views and feel or our town are taken away from us. Forty years ago, Nantucketers were having the same issues Martin Countians are having with regard to urban sprawl and the disappearing nature and feel of our local communities like Jensen Beach, Palm City, Sewall's Point, Port Salerno, Rio, Hutchinson Island, Indian Town, Hobe Sound and the places in between. The now very successful Nantucket Islands Land Bank which was conceived by Nantucket’s Planning Commission, adopted by the voters of Nantucket, and established by a special act of the Massachusetts Legislature will be the model used to establish the Martin County Land Bank through the Martin County Land Bank Act.
We are intending to create the same organization in Martin County, Florida for our benefit.
The concept of the Martin County Land Bank is a land conservation program created to acquire, hold, and manage important open spaces and endangered landscapes for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Since 1983, the Nantucket Island's Land Bank has served as a model for communities across the country.
Due to the success of these efforts, as well as those of other public and private conservation groups, nearly half of their County is now permanently protected open space.
Looking to see what percent of Martin County Land is preserved as open space?
Where is the balance of property development between open space and building?
The Land Bank’s revenue is derived from a two percent fee which is levied against most real estate transfers on the island. This funding is used to acquire and manage land for open space, agriculture and recreational uses.
The Land Bank is governed by a five member elected Commission.
The Martin County Land Bank would be just one of several organizations and would help connect conservation and preservation groups, including Martin County Forever, Martin County Parks & Recreation, The Florida Audubon Society, The City of Stuart, Sewall's Point and others that maintain Martin County’s vital and pristine open spaces.
Open space is beneficial for the county in many ways. It provides areas for people to enjoy, helps to maintain habitat for hundreds of species, helps to protect the County’s aquifer by providing ample unspoiled acreage for rain water recharge, and cleaning before it enters our rivers our drinking water and water watershed would thank us too if they could. Open space also benefits seasonal and year-round residents of the County by helping to maintain property values and by keeping property taxes low. Several economic studies have shown that preserving open space has a positive economic impact on a given community.
As a public body established through an act of the Florida legislature, we value public input and questions. Feel free to contact us any time.
The concept of the Martin County Land Bank is a land conservation program created to acquire, hold, and manage important open spaces and endangered landscapes for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Since 1983, the Nantucket Island's Land Bank has served as a model for communities across the country to duplicate. The draft proposal is to duplicate that concept here in Martin County.
Due to the success of these efforts, as well as those of other public and private conservation groups, nearly half of their County is now permanently protected open space.
The Land Bank’s revenue is derived from a two percent fee which is levied against most real estate transfers in the county.
This funding is used to acquire and manage land for open space, agriculture and recreational uses.
The Land Bank is governed by a five member elected Commission.
Looking to see what percent of Martin County Land is preserved as open space. The Martin County Land Bank would just one of several organizations, including Martin County Forever, Martin County Parks & Recreation, The Florida Audubon Society, The City of Stuart, Sewall's Point and others that maintain Martin County’s vital and pristine open spaces.
Open space is beneficial for the county in many ways. It provides areas for people to enjoy, helps to maintain habitat for hundreds of species, and helps to protect the County’s aquifer by providing ample unspoiled acreage for rain water recharge and cleaning before it enters our rivers — our drinking water and water watershed would thank us too, if they could.
Open space also benefits seasonal and year-round residents of the county by helping to maintain property values and by keeping property taxes low. Several economic studies have shown that preserving open space has a positive economic impact on a given community.
As a public body established through a special act of the Florida legislature, we value public input and questions. Feel free to contact us any time.
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