LETTERS: Council should focus on current Palm Coast, not expansion

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Council should focus on existing Palm Coast, not expansion

Dear Editor:

“Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes” (and fees). The Palm Coast City Council is poised to continue charging us all more for the privilege (or whatever) of living here.

They already know, and we should, that the situation of increasing taxes and/or fees will continue indefinitely, unless we stop it.

Right now, the mayor and council have this grand dream of a new Palm Coast doubled in size with the addition of their planned new developments west of U.S. 1. This would be their forever legacy.

But perhaps that legacy would be tainted by the ongoing deterioration of the old and gray and uninteresting current Palm Coast. Traffic jams, huge trucks tearing up the roads, dangerous streets without sidewalks, every stitch of greenery torn away, drainage and flooding concerns, etc., etc.

They need to hold back the developers and their city staff pals from forgetting the "old" Palm Coast and only looking to the wonderful new city they say is ahead of us.

Well, I say to hold off on this brave new world for at least two years and focus all the time, money and staff on getting the city that is here and now up to par. Streets and drainage repaired, sidewalks where necessary, a touch of the natural Florida in all neighborhoods, parks, and more.

It’s a lengthy list of our needs, but one that should be met prior to any of their grand dreams. Otherwise, it’s a nightmare.

Jeffery C. Seib

Palm Coast

Hammock ecotourism should be part of Flagler Beach discussion

Dear Editor:

Your article about the meeting between Flagler Beach and Flagler County officials regarding the overcrowding in Flagler Beach surprised me, because no one on either side mentioned the topic of ecotourism in the Hammock, which is a heavily wooded barrier island in Flagler County.

The Hammock Community Association and the A1A Scenic Byway have made a video, available on the Flagler Tourism website, about all the wonderful eco-friendly activities available in the Hammock: walking, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, bird watching and other ways to commune with nature.

Both the Turtle Hospital and Marineland have summer programs for children about marine life. As well, visitors are welcome at the Turtle Hospital, where there are both pre- and post-operation turtles.

There are the Malacompra Trails, miles of bicycle paths starting across from Bing’s Landing and A1A and returning there. These trails include a special area of mountain biking trails with features that range for simple to very difficult.

Princess Place Preserve, a 2,000-acre sanctuary, has five beautiful eco-cabins (one handicapped-accessible) with a front porch with rocking chairs facing the water. There is also a trail for people using wheelchairs or walkers. A large area of camping space with hot showers and bathrooms is available. Fishing opportunities are excellent at Princess Place.

Washington Oaks State Park, a gorgeous garden-like setting, has walking paths and lovely vegetation, as well as preserving the national habitat of a Northeastern Florida barrier island.

Bing’s Landing, a Flagler County Park, has a kayak launch and is a great place to paddleboard. Commissioner Hanson has previously stated that as use of Bings Landing grows, if extra rental serves are needed, the County can look for concessioners.

There are three beautiful public beaches: Varn Park (which has changing rooms and bathrooms); Bay Park Drive (observation platform, restrooms, beach access ramps, bocce ball court and a fishing dock) and Old Salt Park, with parking spaces at the end of 16th Road.

Except for Washington Oaks State Park ($5 dollars per vehicle) and Marineland, all the facilities named are free to visit.

Dr. Lynne Bravo Rosewater

Palm Coast

Editor's note: Rosewater is the long-range planning chair of the Hammock Community Association.