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| Providing reliable, fact-based information to citizens about our government and community. |
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Dear Friends,
In Martin County, we pride ourselves on doing things differently. Our slow-growth policies and commitment to protecting our environment are some of the strongest in the state. We care deeply about our community character and that care is highlighted when a development proposes changes to our Comprehensive Plan.
That’s why, last year, the Rural Lifestyle Land Use amendment and Atlantic Fields project created such a stir. And one of the main arguments against the approval was the fear that projects like this would not be financially self-sufficient and burden existing taxpayers. Some even argued that growth, in general, never pays for itself.
Well, when it comes to Atlantic Fields, it sure seems that it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Now, in case you might have forgotten, Atlantic Fields is the luxury community being built on the old Hobe Sound Polo Club property. The Discovery Land Company project will have 317 luxury homes built on less than a third of the 1,500-acre property. The remaining acreage will consist of open space, habitat restoration, lakes, wetlands, and passive recreational areas like golf and equestrian facilities. |
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| As TCPalm reporter Keith Burbank recently explained, Martin County's tax base gets a huge boost from Atlantic Fields. In just one-year Atlantic Fields’ lot sales added $1.6 billion to Martin County’s tax base, driving a 12.7% increase in taxable value countywide. This is before a single home is constructed and occupied. |
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Let that sink in for a minute. Without adding one new resident, the County is going to receive over $20 million in new revenue this year alone. Revenue with little or no impact on county services, schools, or roads. In fact, the extra tax income will help fund these services for all of us — all while lifting surrounding property values and supporting the tax base even in a slower real estate market.
Here’s what’s most important about these luxury developments:
- Major tax contributions: These luxury communities generate millions in property taxes that go directly to schools, fire rescue, parks, and other public services — without raising tax rates for everyone else.
- Little demand for public services: The people who live in luxury communities don’t put much strain on county services. Many don’t live here full-time, most don’t have school-age children, and they rarely use public social services. Outside of an occasional need for EMS services, there is almost no impact on existing services.
Atlantic Fields is already delivering a substantial positive economic impact to Martin County. |
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- Estimated property tax contributions? $40-$45 million annually at build out — equal to the revenue generated by 8,000 average-priced homes.
- Total economic output? $1.6 billion during construction, supporting about 10,755 temporary jobs and 436 permanent jobs.
- Ongoing yearly economic activity? About $40 million, with $543 million in annual wages.
- Over $12 million in additional fees which go directly to improvements for roadways, parks, schools, and other County facilities.
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And the benefits are not just financial:
Atlantic Fields is a true low-density project — about one home for every 7.5 acres. That means most of the land stays green. Also, to get its approvals, the County staff negotiated a few more benefits for you and me including:
- 800 acres of agricultural land will be preserved forever. Farmers keep farming.
- 320 acres of offsite property that previously discharged stormwater directly to the South Fork River now is fully treated by the Atlantic Fields water management system.
- 125 acres of newly restored habitat adjacent to the Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park.
- 70% of the property must remain in open space in perpetuity.
- A new access point and park station to Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park will give everyone a place to explore and enjoy nature.
- The historic Hobe Sound Train Depot was moved back to its original home and is in the process of being fully restored — a wonderful piece of local history saved for future generations.
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When all is said and done, luxury communities like Atlantic Fields don’t just pay for themselves — they give back in meaningful ways. They strengthen our tax base, support local jobs and services, and help preserve the natural environment and the very character and beauty that make Martin County special.
What do you think? Reply to this email and let us know.
Sincerely,
Rick Hartman |
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