The Titusville Environmental Commission has taken a significant step towards preserving local wetlands and riverfront properties by proposing a bond referendum aimed at acquiring undeveloped land. During the meeting held on May 15, 2024, members discussed the urgency of moving forward with this initiative, emphasizing the need to act quickly to meet the November election timeline.

The commission's proposal focuses on properties that were not purchased during a previous referendum two decades ago. Members expressed concern over the ecological impact of hard armoring the shoreline, which has hindered the spawning of horseshoe crabs and disrupted local wildlife habitats. The commission aims to ensure that these vital areas are preserved for future generations.

A motion was made to advise the city to allow a referendum without further extensive studies, as the commission believes sufficient information exists regarding the properties in question. The urgency of the matter was highlighted, with members noting that the city has limited time to prepare for the upcoming election. They stressed the importance of identifying specific properties to avoid confusion and ensure a clear plan is presented to the city council.

The commission acknowledged the city's resource constraints and indicated that a bond referendum is the most feasible option for funding the acquisition of these lands. They believe that the market value of these undeveloped properties is low, making this an opportune time for the city to invest in environmental preservation.

As the commission prepares to present this initiative to the city council, they are focused on defining the properties to be included in the referendum. The next city council meeting, scheduled for less than two weeks away, will be crucial for determining the path forward. The commission is hopeful that with prompt action, they can secure the necessary approvals to protect Titusville's natural resources.