Article Courtesy of The
Treasure Coast Newspapers
By Peter Saxon
Published December 29, 2018
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The Old Orchid Homeowners Association in Vero Beach opposes a Publix Supermarket
on Orchid Island for many reasons:
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Increased traffic on SR 510 inevitably causes back-ups on
the causeway, on driveways from Orchid island Golf and Beach, Old Orchid,
Seasons, Michaels Creek, the EMS and fire station, the Jungle Trail and
Summerplace.
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The single east-west lanes on the causeway bridge will
back up from accidents on SR510 at the driveways into the site.
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Truck traffic, including construction trucks, maintenance
trucks and delivery trucks, will multiply both day and night.
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The long east and west pedestrian walkways across SR510
to the site are dangerous to impaired or elderly persons.
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A superficial traffic analysis prepared for Publix lacks
any value because it fails to analyze any of the above crucial factors.
Just as importantly, the tranquility, beauty and safety of the neighborhoods
adjacent will be lost by the disproportionate, incongruous commercial complex.
Light and noise pollution, environmental degradation and rat infestation from
discarded trash, as well as storm-water runoff, will degrade beachfront
communities. No environmental impact assessment has been provided by Publix.
Crime will explode with teen drinking, drag racing and drug use at the Publix
parking lot at night. More break-ins, panhandling and stolen cars will follow.
The six waivers required by Publix from the building code are completely
incompatible with the surrounding area:
Store height is to increase from 20 feet to 34 feet; a flat roof is required.
Building size is to increase from 6,000 to 31,000 square feet. The sign area is
to increase 38 square feet, with the letter size going from 10 inches to 6 feet.
The mall will stand out like a sore thumb from the causeway bridge and will
tower above the tree line at ground level. No reason exists for waiving these
protections.
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