THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION (EPCRD) RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Commission Value of “Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection,” Goal 2: Proactively lead in the planning, design and construction of projects supporting resilience and climate adaptation, including coordination with other entities to foster resilient design as part of local and regional projects.
Approval of this item provides the Town of Davie with an additional 24 months to complete land preservation activities at the Davie Wetland Preserve in accordance with the terms of the Parks for People Grant originally approved by the Board under the Safe Parks and Land Stewardship Program on January 15, 2013 (Item No. 15). The grant provides up to $75,000 in reimbursement for installing green amenities including native landscaping, recycled material picnic facilities including trash bins, and a pervious concrete walking path at Davie Wetland Preserve.
The Davie Wetland Preserve is a 115-acre park located on the east side of SW 136th Avenue north of SW 26th Street, originally purchased by the Town of Davie in January 2004 for $8,900,000, with partial funding from the Florida Communities Trust. Additional reimbursement of $2,000,000 was applied for and approved through the Broward County Land Preservation Bond Program and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners in July 2005. A management plan for the site was developed by the Town and approved by the Land Preservation Advisory Board in 2007. This plan meets the requirements of the funding entities, which includes providing public access, shared-use trails, picnic and playground areas and outdoor recreation and education programs compatible with those goals.
Initial development of this bond site has been delayed due to anticipated developer mitigation requirements which have subsequently been removed. The Town has designed and is ready to implement a modified development plan which incorporates a smaller wetland feature while maintaining environmentally conscious amenities. These amenities have been designed to be consistent with the current neighborhood and Town of Davie development trends. Environmentally sustainable landscaping is proposed for the purpose of maintaining water quality, enhancing natural and cultural resources, and for outdoor recreation and educational programs. The current grant and agenda item supports these enhancements.
The County will monitor the project site annually through the Land Stewardship Program, for compliance with the provisions of the Davie Wetland Preserve Management Plan.
The County attorney’s office has provided legal review and approval as to form.
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