Jupiter Island Friends and Neighbors,
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. On the heels of a great holiday, we want to express our thanks for all of you from everyone at Jupiter Island Forever. We are all so proud to call this most pristine Island our home! We are also so thankful for our Town Commissioners for their willingness to examine the Town’s Waterfront Setback Line and involve the entire community in how we shape our beachfront development for years to come.
During the Town Commission meeting on October 31st, the Town reviewed a scope of work for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which is the first step in starting a process that would invite proposals from engineering firms to study the regulations around the Town’s Waterfront Setback Lines. This RFQ would let Jupiter Island begin a process to review our codes and ordinances and review the Waterfront Setback Line as it relates to the Town’s Beach Nourishment Program.
While a small step, this progress toward an RFQ is important because it represents a fresh start and an opportunity for our entire community to come together and review the findings of experts. Together, we will be able to discuss openly how we want to shape our beachfront as a whole community. Having this open discussion would be the new start we have been hoping for, and we are so grateful to everyone who has given their input during this process – as every view from property owners is important.
As part of the Town’s recent Beach Protection Meeting, we also heard about the beach erosion hotspots. (Above is one photo of a beach erosion hotspot on the Island.)
A “Property Rights Element” was also shared during the October Town meeting, which would empower community members to be a part of future planning decisions by the Town. Here is a brief highlight of the document discussed:
“[OBJECTIVE 2] People have the right to participate in planning and development decisions that affect their lives and property. The Town of Jupiter Island decision-making will be transparent and follow the public hearing requirements of Florida law so that all people may participate in decisions that affect their lives and property. Land development regulations may provide for additional opportunities for people to participate in public hearings regarding planning and development decisions through the processes and standards contained in Chapter 166, Florida Statues and the Town’s Code of Ordinances.”
New Solar Farm in Martin County
Lastly, we recently heard the news that FPL will be building a new solar farm in Martin County, which is an excellent step toward a more environmentally sensitive way to power our community. As the TC Plam reported, the “utility’s Fawn Solar Energy Center” will be built on 600 acres of farmland along Southwest Citrus Boulevard. “[FPL] has six solar energy centers under construction on the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach County,” according to an FPL spokesperson in the article.
Again, we are so thankful for you and your continuing support of Jupiter Island Forever. We wish you a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by family and friends whether you are here on the Island or traveling afar.
Sincerely,
Jupiter Island Forever Leaders