Optimism on growth dashed as quality Indian River County planning director leaves
Treasure Coast Newspapers

The other day, though, I learned Andy Sobczak, 45, who had worked at the county in various planning roles since 2005, no longer was employed there.

Instead, the county has posted a job for what would be its fifth planning director in the past five years.  I was optimistic last September, when county commissioners met with Sebastian council members and talked about collaborative solutions to utilities, including getting city residents off septic tanks; planning, in the wake of a hotel proposed for Indian River Drive in the unincorporated county; parks and more.  20 years of institutional knowledge gone. After a meeting Aug. 16, Sobczak emailed Titkanich to let him know the administration’s direction was “such a departure from my personal beliefs, and also my desires to promote positive change through positive actions,” that Sobczak could no longer stay at the county. 

Staff works at the direction of county commissioners, and the public has been clear on its demand for limited growth, he said.

“We moved here because of the quality of life,” he said of his family. “It’s just beautiful.” I guess it's up to Ryan Sweeny now. OMG!!