There is a plan to modify our most precious amenity by dumping massive amounts of debris and calling it a berm at the beach edge of our spring. The berm will be covered with grassy plants and four footbridges. While dredging the spring may be a great thing to do, the debris should be removed and trucked away, not dumped at the edge of the water to create a berm, plants, and bridges.

Further, there is no height limit in the permit, and in addition to the berm there is a plan for more dumping to be spread out and raise the elevation on the open field play area. The plan will increase flooding in the backyards of the river homes. Rocks on the banks will help with erosion, but the rocks will not stop an increase in water volume pushed. Also, a berm will take valuable recreation space where residents enjoy grilling, canopy tents, games, and lounge chairs. Vision will be blocked and hindered to monitor kids swimming from the recreation and lounge area and the only access to see or feel the water will be over four little footbridges.

We have been told by the board that the berm is a requirement by St. Johns. Although the berm is allowed by St. Johns as part of our permit request, they have made clear that it is not a requirement. We also do not have a required county permit, just one from SJWMD. Your signature is asking for a permit change to remove the berm and extra dumping on the land in the plan. Your signature is also asking for a rendering image to see what it will look like before it's started.

We just voted to keep our rights for a say in amenity modifications and the board plans alone to modify this amenity anyway. This is about a blocking berm, but it's also about the board listening to and respecting that the residents made clear the intent to have a vote for any amenity modifications. Let's keep the access and view open! Let's avoid encroaching flood waters pushed! Let's keep our voice and vote for amenity modifications! Thank you!

(note: donation link to follow signature is not for this effort, all donations solely go to the website platform hosting the petition).