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11/04/1996 - City Commission Community MeetingCITY COMMISSION COMMUNITY MEETING EDGEWATER DRIVE SHORELINE RESTORATION PROJECT CITY OF CLEARWATER November 4, 1996 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Rich Baier Engineering Director Teresa Finch Environmental Programs Supervisor Tom H. Miller Asst. Dir. of Engr./Environmental Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. Rich Baier, Engineering Director, acknowledged Mayor Garvey and the City Commissioners. This meeting is to supply information to residents and obtain public input regarding the Edgewater Drive Shoreline Restoration Project. Mr. Baier explained the reasons for the project: 1) habitat restoration and improvement; 2) shoreline stabilization; 3) protection of public safety and welfare through improved coastal flood protection from storm surge; 4) improvement of water quality, and 5) improvement of the aesthetics along Edgewater Drive. To the east of the sills, a portion of shoreline will be planted with spartina and fill grasses to filter the water emanating directly from the neighborhood adjacent to Alternate 19. It is not the City’s intention to block the shoreline view on Edgewater Drive. Tom Miller, Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental, presented an overview of the proposed project. He noted the drawings and photographs represent a worst case scenario with mangrove growth on the shoreline. There has been a history of erosion along Edgewater Drive. Two types of erosion were explained: 1) normal wave action that laps at the shore, and where it laps carries away materials at the shoreline; and 2) evulsive-type erosion where waves break over top of the shore, digging in and carrying away materials. He indicated the “no-name” storm Florida experienced in 1993 created evulsive-type erosion. Evulsive erosion is evident at Union Street and Sunnydale. Years of rubble accumulation originally put in place to stabilize the shoreline and to protect Alternate 19 is now exposed. A comprehensive plan is being developed that recognizes the importance of Clearwater’s natural ecosystem. The City’s goal is to use natural alternatives wherever possible, use creative development practices to make Clearwater more attractive, prohibit obstruction of views of Clearwater Harbor, and promote a true level of environmental understanding. Preventing the loss of public property, restoring and enhancing habitat value, improving water quality, enhancing public access, and protecting health, safety and welfare are considerations in the design of this project. The City wants to remove all the asphaltic materials along the shoreline to improve water quality. When waves hit large stones and rubble, they move in different directions. That change in direction causes a scour action to occur. This proposal would allow for removal and restacking of the material against the shoreline. Limestone rock material and backfill will be used to give the shoreline a better edge and cover up the non-natural material. The energy barrier with sill will be placed 30 feet off shore. If this process alone was done, larger stones would be required to prevent the wave action from moving the stones. A slope would also be required so that waves would not carry away these materials. Diminishing the size of the rocks and changing the shoreline slope would provide a better protection system. Mr. Miller noted the City has held 3 public meetings to obtain resident input for the project. Engineers have met with various regulatory agencies to formulate ideas and obtain permits. A permit condition has been granted from the Pinellas County Commission allowing trimming of mangroves in the project area to a maximum height of 6 feet above the substrate. As mangroves come into the area, they should primarily be restricted to open cut areas. Several citizens expressed concern about the growth of mangroves. Some citizens said a 6 foot height with a fill would actually constitute a height of 7 feet, obstructing the view. Concern was also expressed about the ability of the City to maintain mangroves at a 6 foot height. Mr. Phil Gellam stated several agencies such as the National Audobon Society, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the TPA Southwest District Office, and the Bureau of Beach Control and Systems have cited negative impacts to this proposed project. He is in favor of the Edgewater shoreline restoration project, but is opposed to the spartina flats. He referred to various letters from these agencies explaining one habitat of mud flats is being replaced with another type of spartina marsh. He said there is no evidence of erosion in the area. A resident stated if this project is not implemented, Alternate 19 would be condemned because of water seepage under the road. Mr. Baier said Alternate 19 is a DOT roadway and the DOT has no plans for improvements. Ms. Suzanne Gregorie stated she is in favor of cleaning the rubble, but against the plantings and seawall. She cited issues in a letter written by the residing City Manager in 1968 who agreed that land given to the City would never be used for any purpose other than a passive park, and no buildings or structures of any kind would ever be erected. She noted a letter from the Environmental Department indicating boardwalks could be constructed over the marshes out to the breakwaters for public fishing or viewing platforms. She also expressed concern about the height of mangroves. A foot of fill added to 6 foot high mangroves is actually 7 feet, further reducing visibility. She noted the City has already installed a sidewalk and benches. Mr. Miller responded no boardwalks, seawalls or recreational facilities are planned. Last year the City dispensed with the idea. The City is attempting to maximize the benefits of this project in the best interests of the State, City and the public. He noted the City has obtained permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Pinellas County Water and Navigation, the Fish and Game Department, and the Regional Planning Council. Mr. Mike Jackson noted the Florida Marine Research Institute has done extensive research indicating spartina grass is generally planted to attract mangroves. Mr. Jackson noted the Marine Research Institute discourages the alteration of existing wetlands including shorelines. The State of Florida Office of the Ombudsman states the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act is very complex. Mangroves cannot be trimmed under 6 feet, and the City claims they will be maintained at no higher than 6 feet. He expressed concern about the expense for constant maintenance, and residents’ access to the water. A citizen noted the rip rap visible now has been there for 20 years. He said the State does not allow trimming of mangroves, and Pinellas County’s jurisdiction regarding trimming was questionable. Mayor Garvey noted the rip rap was put along the shoreline to prevent erosion of Edgewater Drive. A citizen expressed concern the trees and plantings would restrict the view of the bay from the upland owners. Residents do not want outsiders or public boardwalks. They do not want Edgewater Drive to become another “causeway”. Mr. Duane Reber cited a letter from Padon Woodruff to Mark Peterson. It stated the proposed project is somewhat of an experiment. He felt some rip rap at the shoreline would be a better solution than planting spartina and allowing mangrove growth. Mr. Whalen from the Edgewater Drive Motel expressed concern the City will not clean the red tide and dead fish from the mangroves. Colonel Rayborn, President of the Edgewater Drive Homeowners Association, said the association does not want mangroves on Edgewater Drive’s shoreline. The water view makes the area desirable. Mr. Ron Austin noted over the years 8 different proposals have been offered, ranging from doing nothing at all to this project. He said at one point in time there was a proposal which would have taken care of the rubble without the fill, plantings and breakwater. Ms. Edie Sobrovik said she loves the area but does not know how to resolve these issues. The water view must not be lost. Mr. Rahee Jordan said he loves the view. Beach renourishment is not working. He noted the City is not proposing seawalls, but imitation sandbars. The sandbars would keep plantings in place. With any storm, the streets must be closed and yards fill with water. Something must be done to break the water. A resident asked if a consensus could be reached at this meeting. Mayor Garvey responded the City will compile information from this meeting and schedule another meeting. Mr. Baier reassured residents the City will not proceed with this project without the public’s input. This project will be refashioned to develop an acceptable plan to satisfy permitting requirements and the public. He invited residents to review the drawings and ask questions of the Mayor, Commissioners and City staff. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.