ON THE WATERFRONT
one thing, we make sure that the minutes reflect our support
for that historical piece (of the plan),” Councilwoman
Michelle Berger told fellow council members.
That idea found support from Councilwoman Shannon
Martin. “I think it is really important to make sure that it’s
geared toward the historical piece and the historical society,”
she said.
Mayor Gregory Oravec seemed dubious about the number
of rooftops proposed. Some of those rooftops are for suggested
pavilions. “For me, I think you made a good point
about it being conceptual,” he told Berger. “I’m wholeheartedly
behind approving this conceptual plan because it is a
concept, it is subject to evolution, and dependent on grants
coming in. Do we really want to see that amount of rooftop
building coverage on the property because when you look at
the site that’s a lot of buildings?”
LOTS OF GREEN SPACE
McAfoos, who called the concept “an excellent beginning”
said he would prefer to see less density on the property, too.
“We’d like to see it enhanced with greater focus on the historical
and cultural aspects of the city,” he added.
His version of the plan would include a large amount of
green space in the center of the park. The 19-acre botanical
gardens on the north side of the park and a 15-acre conservation
preserve on the south side add an ecological element too,
he said.
The preserve is expected to have walking trails and an
observation tower along with a wetland bridge-crossing to >>
A majestic old banyan tree guards the bank of the North Fork of the St. Lucie
River in Westmoreland Park.
16 Port St. Lucie Magazine
JOHN BIONDO PHOTOS
The Riverwalk north of Port St. Lucie Boulevard has several boat launches. Westmoreland Park may have a canoe and kayak launch.