PSL boat ramp talks to begin, despite resistance

By HILLARY COPSEY
Southbend neighbors are ready to talk with the city about building boat ramps in their area, though not everyone — not even every City Council member — likes the idea.

The city proposes to build a multi-ramp boat launch on 50 acres it owns off East Snow Road and Bay St. Lucie Drive. Boats launched from the property would have room to maneuver into the St. Lucie River because the site faces Kitching Cove, and the parcel has less than an acre of wetlands to be disturbed by construction.

Mostly, however, the city wants boat ramps at Bay St. Lucie because land-locked Port St. Lucie has few other options.

"If anybody were to go to Veterans Park this Sunday at 2, 3, 4 in the afternoon, I think it would be quite obvious there is a need for boat ramps: You wouldn't be able to find a place to park," Parks Director Chuck Proulx said.

Veterans Memorial Park on Midport Road — with just three ramps — is the only boat launch in the city. About 14,000 people own boats in St. Lucie County.

Facing increasing pressure from regional planners to provide for St. Lucie County boaters, a majority of City Council members supported the $2 million Southbend ramp proposal last week. If approved, a proposed boat ramp fee charged to western developers could pay for the project.
But Councilman Christopher Cooper flatly refused to support developing the site, and even those in favor of the plan admitted the ramps significantly could increase traffic on and around Southbend Boulevard. The council decided to ask Southbend residents to help with the planning process.

The proposal received mixed reviews in the quiet, well-manicured neighborhood along the river.
West Snow Road resident Janine Bischone totally is against the project, but Quay Street homeowner James Sanders preferred ramps to a housing development. Neighbor Glenn Krumenacker was split — liking the idea, but worried about traffic.

Regardless of opinions, most were willing to hear the city proposal and eager to throw in their two cents.

"We would certainly be active in discussing what's best for those lands, for the water and the quality of life for our residents in there," said Jim McKenzie, Bay St. Lucie Homeowners Association president.

The boat ramp facility likely would most affect Bay St. Lucie, the upscale, 29-home community at the end of Bay St. Lucie Drive. The meandering drive is public, but it only leads to the private gate protecting the community.

But residents can expect several more years of peace before boat-towing SUVs roll through their neighborhood. Permitting the project alone is expected to take at least two years because of necessary environmental studies, Proulx said.

And some residents say the city is going to need all the time it can get to properly design what is sure to be a popular park.

"Conceptually, the idea is really nice," Krumenacker said. "But the reality is that that piece of property is very inaccessible. It's going to be a serious challenge for them to provide for the kind of (positive) response they're going to get. They may create a problem they can't overcome."

SOUTHBEND BOAT RAMPS
Port St. Lucie officials want to build a boat ramp facility on 50 acres east of Southbend Boulevard. The project could include:
• Multiple boat ramps.
• Large parking lot.
• Walking trails.
• Picnic area.

WHAT'S NEXT
Before the City Council considers the boat ramp proposal for final approval, the Parks Department will host public workshops to gather suggestions and concerns about the plan from Southbend area residents.

Once a plan is created, the city will begin the permitting process, which could take as long as two years.