Pipeline
The Bulging Pipeline (With Many Thanks to Ralph King)
For years, the county planners used the word "Pipeline" to record and publicize the number of housing developments traveling through the county's permitting process at any given time, and falling into one of five narrowly defined categories within that process. It apparently has been the figure the planning staff and the commission rely upon for assessing the county's future needs for additional infrastructure (roads, bridges, water and sewer systems), amenities (parks and recreation facilities) and other requirements (schools, fire protection, law enforcement and emergency medical services). The time required to plan and construct these facilities often stretches into years. Any major error in the "Pipeline" numbers could have a tremendous impact on all of the county's residents for many years to come
The lull in housing and other construction has may people unconcerned about growth in Indian River County. They may feel the current economic downturn has solved the problems of sprawl and over building here in our community. This is a wakeup call!
There are many, many projects "in the pipeline", waiting to spew forth the moment the economy turns around. In fact, the pipeline is bulging to the point of bursting. A few examples:
Residential growth "in the pipeline" according to the Indian River Community Development Report (CDR) shows an astounding 13,449 residential permits waiting to be issued! This is just unincorporated Indian River County! The 13,449 figure does not include the units in any of the developments within the incorporated cities and towns in the county. Growth in Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, Fellsmere and Orchid is absolutely ignored.
North County Residential Projects:
Multi Family Residences 821
Planned Development (PD) Residences 1843
Single Family/Conventional Subdivision Residences 157
Central County Residential Projects:
Multi Family Residences 777
Planned Development (PD) Residences 1997
Single Family/Conventional Subdivision Residences 1566
South County Residential Projects
Multi Family Residences 1112
Planned Development (PD) Residences 3006
Single family/Conventional Subdivision 2170
These figures do not include the Village of Fellsmere's plans to add between 13,000 and 30,000 homes in the next 20 years.
Think about this backlog in the pipeline...when completed this will lift our capacity for population enormously. Assuming and average of 2.2 people per residence, and 2 vehicles per household, we will add almost another 30,000 people and 28,000 cars! This represents an increase in our population of over 20%. Imagine the congestion on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
The St, Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) estimates that Indian River County's water supply will be unsustainable by the year 2013. This is only three and a half years away. Add to this, the cost of road construction, new school construction, and additions to public facilities, we will find ourselves with an ever increasing tax burden. Impact fees paid by developers cover only a portion of these costs, the rest are paid by homeowners and businesses.
This has all the makings of a perfect storm in which the residents of Indian River County could drown in a flood of people.
Remember, just because you don't see the cement trucks, dump trucks and other evidence of construction activity, doesn't mean that growth is dead. It is just waiting for us to relax our vigilance. Don't be fooled...The Pipeline is Bulging!
