With the lovely new signs for New Monrovia recently added and the new construction for the park in design one would think we've got it made. We can't wait for Martin County Parks and Recreation to fulfil the long-awaited dreams of the families who reside there. But as we wait, there's a storm of wastewater brewing and needing to be resolved.
CONFUSION AND DISSAPOINTMENT
Last night's meeting regarding the New Monrovia / Port Salerno wastewater project left the community in a state of financial concern and sparked a flurry of questions. Residents of the area gathered with varied emotions, ranging from confusion and anger to disappointment, as the nominal details of the project's financial implications were briefly laid out.
The meeting began on an anticipatory note, with locals eager to understand the full extent of the financial obligations associated with the wastewater project. As figures and projections were presented, a wave of concern swept through the room. The projected costs seemed to loom with the possibility of being larger than affordable, all depending on a grant that may or may not be available to help fund this project. Thus, leaving many community members reeling at the implications for their individual budgets. This project was promised to the community since before 2016 and our homeowners to this day have still not received their septic to sewer hook ups. How many grants were previously acquired and lost because they didn't come through with the work? What is Public Works doing to our residents? Do they realize the torment they are causing their community? How they get away with empty promises is beyond explainable and in no way acceptable.
Offered is a one-time cost to "pay now" with the promise of it being done in 2025. How, we ask each other, can we trust the county to do this since they haven't kept their first promise to accomplish it over the past 9+ years? Or we can accept an assessment which homeowners will pay between 1/4 & 1/3 more in the end. Our taxpayer's money over the past 9+ years has gone where? It's hard to put our trust in those who have let us down for so long.
Moving Forward with Hope
As the meeting drew to a close, we realize the road ahead may be fraught with financial hurdles, but if we stay together and ahead of this "game" being played, we can only hope our community is able to confront and address these challenges head-on. With a shared vision for a better future, the residents of New Monrovia and Port Salerno stand ready to forge a path forward, united in their commitment to overcome obstacles and build a brighter tomorrow. As we navigate the complexities of the wastewater project, our collective spirit and strength serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the face of uncertainty. Together, we move forward, embracing the challenges ahead with courage and determination.
With appreciation for the grants of $500,000, $4.3 million and $4. million we cross our fingers that the remaining grant request is approved. December is only a few months away, let's hope Public Works holds true this time. Let's get our community get where we should have been years ago.
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