A Closer Look at Her Results
Hearing residents. Delivering results. Here is a detailed account of how Lisette has turned community concerns into real action.
Hearing Residents. Delivering Results.
Over the years, Lisette, as part of the Town Council, has supported resident requests. Some examples are:
- The Town has no control on the airport. However, the new Airport Manager is receptive to resident concerns and works well with the Town.
- Boat ramp turning lane – lobbied to level of legislature to require FDOT to provide safer turning.
- Grant Community Club – Town negotiated with Fire Dept when issue with grills threatened Seafood Festival – issue resolved.
- Use of golf carts on Town roads was requested – changed speed limits, built more multi-use paths, developed safety rules for carts.
- RR1 properties adjacent to AU properties – found a way to amend the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) to reduce the impact of large accessory buildings on AU properties adjacent to RR1 properties.
- Supported the establishment of a Trails and Greenways committee to help promote passive access to our pine woodlands environment.
- Obtained grant for trail to connect Grant and Valkaria – non-motorized requirement.
- Developed trail for golf carts as requested by residents – residents help maintain this trail.
- Residents with AU zoned properties requested change so they could build Accessory Buildings in front of home – changed LDRs to support this.
- Removed convenience stores with or without gas pumps from BU1-A zoning.
- Conducted 4-way stop sign study at Brabrook and Grant Rd. – Stop signs were installed.
- Worked with VIP Island residents to customize LDRs for island.
- Supported Veteran's Memorial Park Grant-Valkaria – allowed use of grounds for memorial.
- Budgeted funds for Sheriff's Deputies to patrol speeding in the Town.
- Requested stronger enforcement of No Parking on Right-of-Way by trucks and boat trailers on US 1 – this is a major safety issue for drivers accessing US 1.
- Working with County to expedite the Crystal Bay emergency exit.
- Working on a checklist and resources for residents for 2030 septic requirements.
Infrastructure Isn't Sexy
As part of the Town Council, Lisette has always supported and will continue to support strengthening our infrastructure. Examples are:
- Conducted drainage/stormwater study soon after incorporation to address problems – major issues have been resolved. There is still more to do. Drainage system was inherited from County and historically constructed by ranchers, farmers.
- Built and maintained robust emergency fund to address major infrastructure disasters – if the bridge over Goat Creek washes out, an estimated $5 million will be required to repair/replace it; there are 40 miles of roads and drainage structures – re-surfacing costs are $125,000 per mile.
- Established and staffed the Town's Building Department so residents don't have to go to Viera for building permits and inspections. The Building Department is an enterprise fund that pays for itself through fees.
- Proactively proposed vacating certain rights-of-way that abut Palm Bay to prevent them tying in to Grant-Valkaria road – residents who currently use the rights-of-way requested Town to hold off – Town is monitoring Palm Bay development and will vacate proactively.
- Established cost-sharing plan for property owners who wish to pave their dirt roads – Paving is not required. 2/3 of the property owners along a dirt road must agree to proceed. The Town engineers design the road and the Town funds the construction from Transportation Impact Fees paid by new homeowners. Property owners pay the Town back through their tax bill.
- Saved funds for 7 years to pay for a Town Hall residents can be proud of – paid cash.
Community - Based Planned Development
Grant-Valkaria's Charter, Future Land Use Maps, and LDRs exist to safeguard our rural way of life. No development happens without meeting these strict standards. Past and current councils have stood firm on these principles, and Lisette will fiercely protect this legacy to keep Grant-Valkaria rural and peaceful.
- Turned away developer request for changes to the Future Land Use Map to accommodate large storage buildings on Babcock St.
- Turned away developer request to build a tiny house complex.
- Discouraged a Palm Bay developer from requesting a driveway from Valkaria Rd. into their proposed gas station (property is in Palm Bay) at the corner of Babcock and Valkaria Rd. Residents spoke disapproval and Lisette heard them.
- Opted out of providing tax breaks for affordable housing development.
Keeping Our Community Connected. Where Neighbors Always Come First.
Lisette has long made it her mission to bring the residents of two originally separate communities of Grant and Valkaria together. She believes there is no better way to build a unified community than by fostering shared activities where neighbors can connect, collaborate, and have fun together.
- Established and led the Grant-Valkaria Community Association (GVCA), a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to organize and promote Town activities. Over the years, the GVCA has sponsored fishing tournaments, 5K runs, and golf tournaments to raise funds for Town projects.
- As part of the GVCA, Lisette organized the first few Grant-Valkaria Days, the first few Christmas Tree Lightings until the Town Staff could take over.
- The GVCA most recently successfully garnered community support to construct a Veteran's Memorial Park at Grant-Valkaria.
- Lisette served as Secretary of the Grant Community Club and was Chair of the Grant Seafood Festival Ticket Booth for 11 years.
- Lisette was the driving force behind establishing the Trails and Greenways Committee — a thriving volunteer group that builds scenic paths, hosts community cycling rides, and inspires a love for nature education.
- Lisette was also a strong proponent and Co-Chair of the Grant-Valkaria Team in the United Way Mayor's Fitness Challenges. Even though our Town is small in population, Grant-Valkaria consistently won at least 3rd Place out of 14 cities – which was a sense of accomplishment and pride.
- As part of the Town Council, Lisette supported and participated in the community build of Payton's Playspace – a magical park for toddlers.