97-43 v w
RESOLUTION
No. 97-43
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
OPPOSING S1256, ALSO KNOWN AS,
THE CITIZENS ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT OF 1997
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach, State of Florida, has reviewed S 1256,
also known as the Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1997; and
WHEREAS, this act would seriously undermine local zoning authority. The
proposed legislation would facilitate litigation against local government and undermine
local zoning authority by permitting developers to go straight to federal court after an
initial permit denial, thus allowing them to by-pass locally elected boards and councils
and public hearings; and
WHEREAS, the proposed legislation would take away the rights of people of the
Community to make decisions at the local level about how their community will grow
and develop; and
WHEREAS, the effect of the proposed legislation would result in the filing of
more lawsuits against cities and towns, allow litigation to be commenced earlier, prolong
the cost and duration of litigation, and ultimately increase the risk that local communities
would be forced to agree to expensive settlements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach expresses its support for protecting local
zoning authority, and thus opposes passage of S 1256.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Atlantic Beach hereby formally states its opposition to
S 1256 --Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1997.
Section 2. That the City of Atlantic Beach requests that United States Senators
work vigorously toward the defeat of this Act, in the interests of residents of our
Community.
Section 3. That upon adoption of the Resolution by the City Commission of
Atlantic Beach, Florida, this 10th day of November, 1997, a certified copy shall be
forwarded to United States Senators Connie Mack and Bob Graham, and United States
Representative Tillie Fowler.
1/444-V4kt i-zA,Lz-4-d-f—
S e Shaughnes ,
Mayor, Presiding Officer
Approved as to form and correctness:
an C. Je 01°n,n, Esquire
City Attorn-y
ATTEST:
Ma en King
City Clerk