Resolution 495-2000
Commissioner Murrary Nelson
RESOLUTION NO. 495
-2000
A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE BOARD'S POSITION IN SUPPORTING
THE DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES OF THE HOMESTEAD AIR FORCE BASE
OTHER THAN A COMMERCIAL AIRPORT
WHEREAS, the citizens of Monroe County enjoy an unique community character and are
stewards of an unique and fragile environment;
WHEREAS, the unique character of the Keys, particularly the Upper Keys, can be
substantially affected by land use decisions in southern Miami-Dade County;
WHEREAS, the use and enjoyment of Keys waters depends in large measure on the
tranquillity and peace of those waters and the airspace over those waters;
WHEREAS, the fishing industry in the Keys, including guided flats-fishing, requires
tranquil and peaceful waters to maintain its economic viability;
WHEREAS, the redevelopment of the former Homestead Air Force Base as a commercial
airport would cause a significant increase in the frequency of jet flights, and thus incidents of
noise intrusions, over the Upper Keys;
WHEREAS, the redevelopment of the former Homestead Air Force Base as a commercial
airport would change land use patterns in south Miami Dade County, thereby creating adverse
pressures on land use and the comprehensive plan in the Upper Keys;
WHEREAS, the redevelopment of the former Homestead Air Force Base as a commercial
airport has the great potential to increase pollution in Biscayne Bay;
WHEREAS, the redevelopment of the former Homestead Air Force Base, an area subject
to the same hurricane threats and potential evacuation orders as the Florida Keys, will add traffic
congestion to the only artery available to evacuate Keys residents;
WHEREAS, Monroe County depends upon the federal government to protect the interests
of the Keys in the redevelopment of the former Homestead Air Force Base; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, supports the conveyance of the former Homestead Air Force Base for
development alternatives other than a commercial airport.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Us Air Force and FAA, in receiving public input on
the Environmental Impact Study, conduct a public hearing in Key Largo to receive input on the
impact of the proposed redevelopment, particularly in the areas of Growth Management and
hurricane evacuation as well as environmental impacts.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 14th
day of December, 2000.
r George Neugent
Tem Nora Williams
er Murray Nelson
r Dixie Spehar
r Charles McCoy
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
BY~ a1d c. IfkY M1liAJ
Deputy Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
/ MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
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