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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Planning Tomorrow TodayPLANNING TOMORROW TODAY: CITY OF SEBASTIAN VISION The citizens of Sebastian desire to share a vision of our City in the future. This is our statement concerning the kind of City we want in the future and what we will have done to improve it. In the Year 2015 Sebastian, the historic fishing village nestled along the Indian River near the Sebastian inlet, continues to be a safe, secure and "homey" community recognized for volunteerism. Regenerating the aura of the 1900's when Sebastian exported fresh fish north via rail, the revitalized fiverfront and city center anchor a vibrant local economy. The City's steady growth is largely attributed to its residential character, quality of life, and job opportunities for all age groups. The U.S. 1 and CR 512 corridors now serve as gateways to Sebastian. Gateway improvements reveal new and old structures that share a unified design together with lush landscape and scenic vistas unencroached by random signs. The gateway streetscape includes uniform lighting, strategic areas for boarding a marketplace shuttle linking major activities within the city center, the riverfront, and the CR 512 corridor as well as street furniture designed to project the fishing village riverfront theme. The Sebastian riverfront accommodates a bustling mixed use historic fishing village and marketplace, served by adequate parking, with brick streets lined by gas lights replicating the early 1900's kerosene lamps which formerly framed major village streets. Major green areas have been preserved along the waterfront and construction has been regulated to retain scenic views of the river. Archie Smith's Fish House has been restored together with remnants of the old fishing village, including reconstruction of the Main Street railroad station, now the historical museum and formerly a major stop along the railroad linking Sebastian with major population centers along the eastern seaboard. Many other restored structures, including the Parris Lawson House and the Peterson house, as well as a pedestrian trail linking historic structures, contribute to the historic village ambiance of the riverfront and Vmm fw LPA C.Nm t V yv WSn and.1— the city center. A ferry to the Sebastian Inlet docks at the waterfront providing residents and tourists an easy commute to dynamic fishing opportunities as well as beach and shorefine activities. Sebastian residents enjoy many choices of housing accommodations which are accessible to shopping, recreational, and cultural amenities together with a reasonable cost of living. Residents share convenient access to employment and shopping outlets as well as abundant recreational, educational and cultural programs fully staffed to serve the community's multi -generational needs. A community college extension and a community center, both located in Sebastian's city center, offer residents a diverse menu of recreational and cultural pursuits as�� well as additional educational opportunities. All four comers of the City are served by a community swimming pool as well as ballfield complexes operating competitive sports programs for youths and adults. The municipal golf course continues to attract golfers throughout the region, rendering the links a major contributor to the City's healthy ledger. The mainstay of the City's balanced economy and job market is light industry located at the Gibson Street industrial park, at the thriving "limited access" airport industrial center, and at the I-95/CR 512 interchange. The City has become a bona -fide player competing successfully for high tech industry targeting the southern reaches of Florida's Space Coast. Recognized for its consumer friendly and responsive government, the City has fostered publiclprivate partnerships with industry and commerce. City government helps promote and serve annual events and celebrations involving the business community and attracting residents as well as a regionwide consuming public. Visitors to Sebastian come to share and enjoy the ambiance and vitality of riverfront activities, including arts and crafts, small town market place festivities, special events, and homespun camaraderie. The quality of the City's natural environment has been preserved and enhanced through wm".., rorLM c„oun,ma, Z Nepe W sohn W Iu,ove Im growing understanding of man and nature. Water quality, wastewater, and storrnwater management issues of the past have been resolved. Central water and wastewater systems now service the entire City. Stormwater improvements have been planned and implemented throughout the watershed basin, and mitigation banks have been established, yielding large multi-purpose lakes. This has enhanced not only the image of the City, but also provided additional shoreline living and water -oriented recreation and leisure activities. The City has preserved and expanded parks and green spaces, acquired open space along the Indian River as well as the new lakefront, and installed playground apparatus and other recreation facilities. Finally, the City has preserved and planted an abundance of tre0s and natural vegetation. Achieving our 2015 goals required that municipal services in Sebastian be second to none. Therefore, to meet the needs of residents and businesses the City has continually improved civic infrastructure and service delivery systems. To ensure that neighborhoods are safe and secure, we have maintained a professional police force, with an adequate number of highly trained personnel and the latest equipment. We have also improved educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities, conserved an adequate water supply, and protected our ecosystem as well as our historic resources. Equally important, we have carefully controlled and regulated growth. To make our vision a reality, we have remained committed to ethical and progressive government, adept in managing not only the City's present affairs, but also planning for the future. We shall maintain and enforce fairly and equitably our land development regulations and building codes -- ensuring a level playing field for all. The City's elected leadership, its appointed officials, and its administration shall at all times remain responsive, accessible and open to citizen participation. Finally, we pledge fiscal conservancy and a strict system of fiscal accountability while, at the same time, maintaining sight of our responsibility to ensure that necessary and adequate resources are directed to implement our shared vision of the future. Yuan S,l tfm LPA Canfi 3 PrtpvN M SOM utl Aa,nwe. lrc.