As three new city commissioners take office in Treasure Island Tuesday night, city leaders will decide whether to advance the proposed Terrain Modification Program.

The newly elected commissioners—Tammy Vasquez, Chris Clark, and Arthur Czyszczon—join Mayor John Doctor, who secured re-election.

City officials describe the Terrain Modification Program as a long-term strategy to address rising sea levels by allowing property owners to voluntarily use fill—such as soil, sand, or rock—to elevate land beneath and around structures. The plan also includes guidelines to minimize impacts on neighboring properties and infrastructure.

Currently, using fill is prohibited in Treasure Island. However, officials say that once private properties are elevated, city roads can undergo similar modifications.

“If we don’t begin mitigation efforts now, the costs and challenges will only increase,” the city’s website states. “As a low-lying barrier island, high tides already affect roadways and the stormwater system. Without action, roads may become frequently impassable, fundamentally changing life on the island.”

A previous plan, “Elevate TI,” was debated extensively before being rejected in August. Unlike that plan, which mandated the use of fill, this revised program is voluntary. Key differences include allowing property owners to choose elevation heights, permitting both structural and nonstructural fill, and implementing a two-year evaluation process.

District 2 Commissioner Chris Clark, who will be sworn in Tuesday, wants to delay discussions on the program to give new commissioners time to review its extensive documentation.

“There are concerns about the financial impact on businesses,” Clark said. “I fully support using fill, and I believe most of the commission does too, but this approach is excessive and lacks common sense.”

Clark identified permitting reform and business growth as his top priorities.

The city commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Treasure Island City Hall and is open to the public.

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