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April 28, 2005-Earlier today, the Division of Administrative Hearings issued its Recommended Order on the challenge filed by 1000 Friends of Florida and its other partners opposing the proposed Mecca Farms site for the Scripps Research Institute.

"We were very surprised to learn of the hearing officer's ruling," says Charles Pattison, Executive Director of 1000 Friends. "We are convinced that, on appeal, the court will rule that the Mecca Farms site clearly violates state and county law regarding sprawl, environmental impacts, and community character."

From the start, 1000 Friends has strongly supported locating Scripps in Palm Beach County. "We oppose the Mecca Farms site because of the rampant urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation it will bring to the doorstep of the Everglades," notes 1000 Friends President Tim Jackson. "It will cost the taxpayers untold millions to extend roads, infrastructure and other urban amenities into these rural western lands."

Despite this ruling, we continue to hope that the County and Scripps will instead select an appropriate alternative site closer to existing development and infrastructure in Palm Beach County, says Pattison. 1000 Friends' strongest recommendation is the Briger Tract close to the Abacoa Campus of Florida Atlantic University.

1000 Friends Community Planner Joanne Davis explains that Mecca is only the first step in an effort to promote rapid urbanization of western Palm Beach County. The County recently approved a Sector Plan which converts thousands of acres of rural lands to urban uses west of Mecca, and adjacent to the Everglades Agricultural Area. "This will bring thousands of new residents without proper planning for transportation, schools or water supplies," says Davis. "It will also threaten Everglades Restoration efforts."

Gov. Jeb Bush recently directed the Florida Departments of Community Affairs and Environmental Protection to identify how to better protect the Everglades Environmental Area. Says Jackson, "This DOAH ruling counters efforts to protect the Everglades from inappropriate and insensitive development."

1000 Friends filed its challenge with the Florida Department of Community Affairs in December 2004 over a series of comprehensive plan amendments approved by Palm Beach County in October 2004. The administrative hearing took place in the month of March 2005. In November of 2004, 1000 Friends filed two complaints in circuit court challenging development orders associated with the Mecca Farms site. These decisions are expected shortly.