A proposed 25-story development near Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach has raised concerns among residents and divers about its potential impact on the area’s marine ecosystem. The development, which includes a marina, has been proposed by The Continuum Company, a New York-based developer.
Concerns Over Marine Life
According to Jim Abernethy, a conservationist and photographer, the area is one of the top 50 dive sites in the world and should be protected from development. ‘It’s time for people to protect this place from development, otherwise we will have a paved paradise and nothing more,’ Abernethy said.
Jeff Nelson, a local scuba instructor, also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the development on marine life. ‘I think fish are going to move away,’ Nelson said. ‘I can’t imagine a 60-foot boat going in here, and turn and spin, without impacting the swim zone.’
The developer has cited an environmental assessment from a Florida Atlantic University geoscience professor, which states that the site will have no negative impacts on marine life. However, a Change.org petition opposing the project has already gained over 12,000 signatures.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
