By Vanessa Fultz, Democrat Reporter
May 08, 2008 05:35 pm
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A local lake that nearby landowners have enjoyed privately for years is about to go public - and in a bigger way than previously thought.
What was originally envisioned as a public boat ramp on Lake Louise is set to become a 30-acre public park, if funding in the form of state grants comes through.
Site plans for the expanded project were unveiled at Tuesday's county commission meeting by Synergy Solutions, a firm assisting the county in its quest to obtain funds to purchase the property on which the park will be built.
The county is seeking a Florida Boater Improvement Program grant for the boat ramp and a Florida Communities Trust Grant to acquire an additional 30 acres beyond what original plans called for.
Sandra Grinnell, who owns land near the lake, previously donated to the county about three acres for the construction of a boat ramp and a small lakefront park. In exchange for Grinnell's gift the county agreed to name the park after her father, the late Arlie K. Townsend, a former owner of the property.
The county has now decided to purchase 20 acres from Grinnell, the county code enforcement officer, and 10 acres from another landowner to expand the park.
Site plans include a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area, parking area, restroom facilities, nature trails, playground and jogging course.
Greg Scott, county parks and recreation director, said little about the project has changed but its size. Current plans call for essentially the same amenities as before, but they will now be more spread out, he said.
Scott said the project was expanded partly in order to gain entrance to the park from the main road, so as to avoid having to share with Grinnell a road that leads to the boat ramp.
This would also allow the county to close the gates at the main road when the park is closed, he said.
The additional 10 acres was acquired in the event of future development, said Scott.
Commissioner Jesse Caruthers noted Wednesday the property was a public facility years before but later closed. Townsend subdivided the property and many of the current landowners purchased the property with the understanding that the lake was private.
"I think it's bad for the people who live there who have enjoyed private access to the lake," Caruthers said.
Commission Chairman Douglas Udell disagreed.
"It will not inconvenience those people there at all," Udell said Wednesday. "It doesn't change anything; it will just include everybody in Suwannee County."
Commissioner Randy Hatch said the park will add value to nearby property rather than devalue it.
"We are trying to put in a first-class facility," Hatch said Thursday. "Quality parks in a neighborhood add value."
Scott said he thinks the county has good chance of getting the grants.
He said the land will be purchased at its appraised value. The appraisal has not yet been conducted. Though the county is not sure of the cost of the project, Scott said a previous estimate was around $600,000, which doesn't include the purchase of the 30 acres.
Nearby homeowners have objected to the plan, voicing concerns over increased boating traffic on the lake, as well as noise, pollution and security.
"We will be very conscious of neighbors' concerns regarding the design, (and) set up and rules for use of the boat ramp," Scott said. "It's going to be a jewel, not a thorn."
If the grant for the boat ramp doesn't materialize the land will revert back to Grinnell.
It is uncertain whether the county will purchase the property if the grant is not approved.
The Lake Louise Homeowners Association has not announced whether it will challenge the county's decision in court. Local attorney Jimmy Prevatt, who represents the group, declined comment.
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