Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses city purchase of 8-acre Mitten parcel to protect Turnbull Creek
Summary
Board members discussed a possible city purchase of an 8-acre wooded parcel offered by Linda Mitten for conservation use, debated appraisal and funding constraints, and asked staff to bring appraisal and conservation-zoning details to the next meeting.
Members of the Turnbull Creek Preservation Board discussed whether the city should pursue buying an 8-acre parcel near Turnbull Creek offered by property owner Linda Mitten, the presenting member said.
During the meeting the presenter said Mitten "is asking, you know, the 1.5. Now 1,500,000 is a lot of money," describing a roughly $1.5 million asking price for the parcel west of State Road 44. Staff said the city would require two appraisals and commission approval before any purchase and that the board itself does not have authority to order appraisals; staff said they would take the board’s recommendation to the city manager.
Why it matters: Board members flagged conservation options — including placing a perpetual conservation easement on the parcel to prevent development — and discussed funding sources such as state programs (including past Florida Forever purchases) and the board’s remaining local conservation budget. Staff noted that the city must appraise the property for conservation use rather than potential development, which could affect value.
Board discussion and next steps: Members asked for more information about how much of the parcel is wetlands versus uplands and whether a conservation easement could protect the creek corridor while preserving some commercial value on the front acre. Staff agreed to bring a list of permitted uses under conservation zoning and conservation-easement restrictions to the next meeting for review. The presenter said the city manager would be asked to consider the board’s recommendation and that the presenter would contact the owner and be prepared to present to the commission under public comment if needed.
Public comment and context: Lisa Martin, identified during the meeting, said the original Turnbull Creek preservation bond had been passed to prevent residential development and preserve the land, urging the board to remain consistent with the bond’s original purpose.
No purchase was authorized; staff will return with appraisal and zoning/easement information to inform a recommendation to the city manager and commission.
