By Tim Pallesen
A proposed task force to study the mutual concerns of coastal communities is picking up steam.
Ocean Ridge became the first town to select a representative to the A1A Future Plan task force by naming Commissioner Edward Brookes to serve.
“Let’s look at the issues that affect just the barrier islands,” Ocean Ridge Vice Mayor Lynn Allison said. “After many years living on small islands, I have realized that joining forces has more impact.”
The Florida Coalition for Preservation, which has volunteered to help facilitate the effort, also has received positive response for the idea from Manalapan, Gulf Stream and Briny Breezes.
Gulf Stream Commissioner Robert Ganger, who chairs the Coalition for Preservation, will be Gulf Stream’s representative on the task force.
Recent events probably will make police and fire-rescue issues the first for coastal communities to discuss, coalition Executive Director Kristine de Haseth said.
Ocean Ridge and Manalapan have both considered hiring the county sheriff’s office to provide police services.
Ocean Ridge also has been concerned that Boynton Beach might close the fire-rescue station that responds to Ocean Ridge emergency calls.
Other coastal communities might share if Ocean Ridge gets its own fire-rescue truck, de Haseth said.
“Towns would not lose their individual identities by doing this,” she said. “The goal would be a better level of service that’s cheaper.”
Allison and fellow Ocean Ridge Commissioner Zoanne Hennigan both support the shared fire-rescue truck idea.
“We could even have one police and fire department that goes up and down the coast to save money,” Hennigen said. Ú
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