Business View Civil & Municipal Apr-2023

102 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 provide what’s good for the community as a whole. Trying to make positive, forward progress and adjustments are important, but you’ve got to do that without negatively impacting your existing residents and your existing businesses. It’s a balancing act. So, it’s critical to continue to engage with all our residents and visitors and get their input and their recommendations so that our elected officials are able to make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.” Barnes maintains that one of Wellington’s core and lasting principles is sustainability. “From an environmental standpoint, we have a commitment to the preservation of open space and recreational amenities,” he states. “We have different infrastructure improvements that we’ve made that double as environmental locations.” Indeed, over the years, the Village has spent millions on stormwater management, while simultaneously creating its own internal stormwater treatment system, the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat, a 365-acre rainwater storage area with miles of trails, and acres of wetland areas “teeming with flora and fauna,” according to Barnes. “In addition, all of our newer municipal facilities have either achieved or have been designed to meet LEED certification standards, with building technologies that provide for greater efficiency and reduced energy consumption. And our fleet has alternative fuel supplies.” Barnes believes that Wellington needs to continue to promote smart and sustainable growth in order to stay relevant and competitive as communities around it also continue to develop. “We want to continue to be a community of choice for folks in Palm Beach County and South Florida, but maintain the appeal that brought people out here, to begin with, which is great neighborhoods, great schools, great parks, and a high level of service,” he says in conclusion. “You want to keep all the great things that brought people out here, to begin with.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Professional Tennis Court Services www.ptcsflorida.com