By: Lisa Broadt, Treasure Coast Newspapers
MARTIN COUNTY — Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously denied a proposal that would have allowed more than 2,400 homes on 2,600 acres in southwest Martin County.
The commission's denial of a Comprehensive Plan amendment for Harmony Ranch followed dozens of public comments against the project at Tuesday's meeting.
Many residents spoke passionately about their concerns, some becoming emotional when addressing the development's possible impacts to the environment and local quality of life.
Harmony Ranch would set a "dangerous precedent and create a domino effect" of increased development, Jupiter Island Commissioner Peter Conze said during public comment, adding that the "fiscal impact is potentially enormous."
Applicant Hobe Sound Ranch in September asked the county to change the property's land-use designation from agricultural — which allows one unit per 20 acres — to a mix of residential estate, which allows two units per acre; rural, which allows one unit per 2 acres; and agricultural ranchette, which allows one unit per 5 acres…