Community outraged over controversial land sale proposal

During a recent government meeting, the Lake Point Homeowners Association expressed their support for a proposed zoning change affecting their area, contingent upon the inclusion of specific prohibitions in the bonding development plan. The motion to approve the change was passed unanimously by the commissioners.

Public comments were then opened, with Sandra Sullivan from South Patrick Shores raising concerns about the agenda item related to the Sarno property. She criticized the manner in which the item was presented, suggesting it was hidden under consent despite requiring a super majority vote. Sullivan questioned the county's intentions regarding the land, citing potential buyers and the financial implications of transferring the property, which could lead to over $100 million in taxpayer costs for muck dredging.

Sullivan highlighted previous discussions from a Melbourne Council meeting, where it was noted that the county had potential buyers for the land. She expressed her discontent with statements made by officials regarding the land's usage, asserting that it had been utilized for various purposes, including as a debris management area. She argued that the property should be sold at fair market value, as mandated by legal opinions, and criticized the county's approach to leasing the land for a nominal fee.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions regarding land use and financial accountability in the community, with Sullivan's comments reflecting broader concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility in local governance.