WELLINGTON, Fla. — Officials with the federal agency's Jacksonville office say Wellington Lifestyle Partners is under investigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for working in wetlands without a permit.
This company is made up of several different investors. Approved We have been asked by Wellington Village Council to remove approximately 90 acres of land from the Equestrian Reserve, build a house where the current showground is, and then build a new showground.
most people testified oppose the project before being approved.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are focusing specifically on an area known as “Pod F,” which developers say will feature about 10 other rings and more than 500 food stalls for various activities. The city plans to build a 3,000-seat international arena.
The development is taking place on 38 acres of wetlands, and the permit is set to expire in February 2023, according to documents found by WPTV on the department's website.
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John Pempek, project manager for the Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville Regional Regulatory Division Enforcement Unit, said he issued the violation notice in March after receiving complaints. He said he would not classify the issue as serious.
“We don't know if we would qualify this as a serious violation because we are improving the environment rather than disturbing it with the embankment,” Pempek said.
He also said he would encourage more people to submit information about possible wrongdoing for investigation.
Environmental groups had previously raised concerns about filling in the Pod F wetland after people recorded videos showing protected species such as storks and snail kites on the site.
John Fumero, a lawyer with Wellington Lifestyle Partners, said the area was not suitable for protected species due to the presence of Old World climbing ferns on the property.
He said the species was being introduced into the area as construction work uncovered food such as bugs and bugs.
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Mark Bellissimo was the manager of Wellington Lifestyle Partners until he was fired as manager in September 2023, according to state documents.
Paige Bellissimo Nunez is listed as executive vice president of Wellington Lifestyle Partners. According to state documents, Mark Bellissimo was named the registered agent for a company called Wellington Lifestyle Partners 2, which is also listed as Wellington Lifestyle Partners 2 in updated filings. It has been revealed that Doug McMahon has been added as a manager.
WPTV contacted Wellington Lifestyle Partners around 5:30pm on Thursday, but did not receive a response in time for publication. However, Pempek said developers have told him they don't believe the regulation applies because of various changes in the interpretation of federal law.
“They thought it was no longer their jurisdiction because the permit had expired,” he said. “We understand how they came to that decision, but we will consider this before taking any formal enforcement action. … It has been a very turbulent time.”
Pempek also said he is dealing with other developers who are having the same issue.
