Hampton Inn Seagrove Beach on Chateau Hotel Property

Good question. From what I read the majority of the Commissioners agreed that the developers met all the the guidelines to the letter and therefore had no choice but to approve it. It sounds like the opposition made the mistake of using more of an emotional argument instead of a legal one.

Met to a letter they drafted.....when they had the land use codes changed last year before announcing this project......Walton county officials should go hide for being so gullible.

It is not unusual for land use codes to change. If it was done legally and If they met the current codes I don't see a winning position for the those opposing the development. I will reiterate I don't live near the project so I remain neutral.

I have not read the land use code and you say "a vote against this project can certainly be defended", how?

On compatability alone disregarding density, traffic congestion and storm water drain off, the project can be rejected. It does not meet the parameters established for development of the area. Strict zoning would never allow this development to take place considering the individual owned residences in the area and other factors, some of which I have mentioned. We don't have that which is a damn shame. I do not expect the BCC to reject this project even though it could easily be justified to do so and the public is heavily opposed to it. There is too much big money involved, and as much as I hate to say it, big money usually prevails over the rights and desires of the local citizenry.

On compatability alone disregarding density, traffic congestion and storm water drain off, the project can be rejected. It does not meet the parameters established for development of the area. Strict zoning would never allow this development to take place considering the individual owned residences in the area and other factors, some of which I have mentioned. We don't have that which is a damn shame. I do not expect the BCC to reject this project even though it could easily be justified to do so and the public is heavily opposed to it. There is too much big money involved, and as much as I hate to say it, big money usually prevails over the rights and desires of the local citizenry.

If I'm reading you right, it sounds like you are saying that we would need strict zoning in order to prevent this and we don't have strict zoning. You also say it can be rejected compatibility alone. Forgive me for thinking that sounds contradictory. What provisions in the law would enable it to be rejected based on compatibility? To me it just sounds like a bunch of overly emotional and cynical woulda, coulda, shoulda talk. Yes we should have zoning, but we don't. The fact is, the law always has and always will prevail over the rights and desires of the local citizenry. Welcome to planet Earth.

If I'm reading you right, it sounds like you are saying that we would need strict zoning in order to prevent this and we don't have strict zoning. You also say it can be rejected compatibility alone. Forgive me for thinking that sounds contradictory. What provisions in the law would enable it to be rejected based on compatibility? To me it just sounds like a bunch of overly emotional and cynical woulda, coulda, shoulda talk. Yes we should have zoning, but we don't. The fact is, the law always has and always will prevail over the rights and desires of the local citizenry. Welcome to planet Earth.

The fact is Hamton is completely legit and they should be allowed to open. If people do not like the laws, change them...Dfunk does at their convenience. I am not sure if it is fact, but I understand the laws are also no drive thrus which is why we are fast foodless, Starbucks just opened with a drive thru, Mc D's is next.

I think the question is who has the power to change zoning laws. It's obvious the existing laws are not beneficial to a majority of the residents and vacationers that want less high density development. At the planning meeting many good points were brought up, not just the sentimental type. The developers were providing 1.1 parking space per room, and yet openly agreed that occupancy could reach six people per unit. There was no parking provided for employees or shop workers.

The gist of it is that the zoning laws leave far too much room for interpretations that are almost always done in favor of the developers. The traffic "buy out" boondoggle is the biggest joke of all. All a developer has to do is pay down $150 grand, and he can dump as much traffic on 30-A as he wants.

I think the question is who has the power to change zoning laws. It's obvious the existing laws are not beneficial to a majority of the residents and vacationers that want less high density development. At the planning meeting many good points were brought up, not just the sentimental type. The developers were providing 1.1 parking space per room, and yet openly agreed that occupancy could reach six people per unit. There was no parking provided for employees or shop workers.

The gist of it is that the zoning laws leave far too much room for interpretations that are almost always done in favor of the developers. The traffic "buy out" boondoggle is the biggest joke of all. All a developer has to do is pay down $150 grand, and he can dump as much traffic on 30-A as he wants.

Good unambiguous zoning laws CAN be written. It happens all over the country. Zoning just seems to be a foreign concept in much of northwest Florida. It's viewed as socialism.

On the issue of parking, remember that in the fall of last year the planning department brought up a proposal to increase parking requirements for homes and businesses. It was fought tooth and nail by businesses and ended up being dropped.

Is the developer of the proposed Hampton Inn promising guests beach access? Isn't there a public beach access across the street from the Tom Thumb? And what is the argument going to be going forward? I don't think "We're better than trashy people who stay in chain hotels" is going to stand up as a legal argument.

There's never been the snob issue like you seem to want to replay. It's about quality of life. It's about getting away from gridlock traffic and overcrowding. I have pride in my hometown and large hotels are ugly, not the people that stay in them (although there will be carloads of that type come spring break).

Again, I smell hypocrisy. If this structure was going up next door to you, I doubt you would be defending it.

Is the developer of the proposed Hampton Inn promising guests beach access? Isn't there a public beach access across the street from the Tom Thumb? And what is the argument going to be going forward? I don't think "We're better than trashy people who stay in chain hotels" is going to stand up as a legal argument.

I stay in Hampton Inns when I travel because it's one of the best values for my Hilton Honors Points. I have never seen people of a class I wouldn't associate with. I can't say they didn't look at me and feel the opposite.

There's never been the snob issue like you seem to want to replay. It's about quality of life. It's about getting away from gridlock traffic and overcrowding. I have pride in my hometown and large hotels are ugly, not the people that stay in them (although there will be carloads of that type come spring break).

Again, I smell hypocrisy. If this structure was going up next door to you, I doubt you would be defending it.

"Big hotels are ugly". Now there's a compelling legal argument. If you want ugly, just look at the Emerald Grand.

Oh right. Legal argument trumps common sense. My bad.

Forget all this legal stuff and lets talk traffic! During lunchtime from January to March 15, I can do the drive from Eastern Lake to the gym at Watercolors in 8 minutes. During the tourist season it has taken me 45 minutes to get to Seaside!! I don't like the hotel in my neighborhood but legally speaking, planning had no alternative but to approve it. My suggestion.. Find every piece of dirt you can on our commissioners and bring it forward, just like our national politicians do and get them to vote NO!!

Legal stuff always trumps any other argument. When murderer walks because some cop didn't read him his rights, legal stuff trumps common sense. If the county commission votes it down and the developers take legal action the courts usually don't consider emotionally charged arguments. If I sunk over a million bucks into a piece of land with plans to develop it and it got the ax you better believe I'd go to court.

Again, the core of this issue is who makes the zoning laws. Is it elected officials? Is it appointed members of a board who arbitrarily set whatever standards they want? It was rather quietly exposed that the rules were significantly changed last spring. I'm a working stiff who has to work 12 hours a day to keep my head above water, so I can't attend many meetings, but surely some citizen's group can give me a little more insight in how this process works, and why it is apparently going downhill.

Again, the core of this issue is who makes the zoning laws. Is it elected officials? Is it appointed members of a board who arbitrarily set whatever standards they want? It was rather quietly exposed that the rules were significantly changed last spring. I'm a working stiff who has to work 12 hours a day to keep my head above water, so I can't attend many meetings, but surely some citizen's group can give me a little more insight in how this process works, and why it is apparently going downhill.

From what I have read it is evidently the lawyers of the developers.

Wow - I just spent my Saturday afternoon watching the video of the planning commission meeting. I have to say I was so impressed and proud of all of those citizens and representatives who spoke in opposition to the Hampton Inn project. From Seagrove Baptist church representatives to neighborhood association presidents to urban planners to attorneys and, most importantly, residents of 30a communities and specifically Eastern Lake residents, many valid arguments were made. So sorry that the planning commission saw fit to pass it.

A great concern I have is that the County Commissioners will follow the advice of the Planning staff and the Planning Commission attorney (Mark ?) and automatically approve it as well because it meets the strict criteria (measurements) of the development policy of VMU. As Ms. Harris stated, is there never a time when the Planning Commission should use discernment to determine if a project should be approved? If not, just let the developer enter the project site plan, including number of proposed parking places, number and type of VMU buildings, height of light poles, traffic study findings, proposed drainage system, etc. into a software program and the screen will say "APPROVED" or "DENIED". No need for a Planning Commission or for a development proposal to go to the County Commission.

Sorry to sound cynical, but I just don't understand why citizens VALID concerns can't be taken into account!

I live in Seagrove Beach and can vouch for the traffic congestion during Spring and summer. It is awful. But I do not think anyone or anything will stop the Hampton Inn from being built. Will it add that much more traffic? Well look at the Prominence Development, North and South of 30a, and Alys beach, and Water color and WaterSound, how much traffic do you think all those new homes will generate? It will be a whole lot more than the Hampton Inn will generate. You can't have it both ways. If this area continues to grow at the rate it is being developed, it won't really matter if hotels build on 30a, because it is going to be grid lock regardless. I wish the Hotel was being built in a less developed part of 30a. Not everyone can afford to visit our area, and stay Saturday to Saturday. This will give Tourists an opportunity to visit 30a, and pay less to do so. Wait, weren't we all tourists once? Thanks TDC.

Next Steps to Defeat the Proposed Hampton Inn
Once again, we are encouraged from the Planning Commission Hearing from this past week. Our voices and the arguments by our attorneys caused two Planning Commission members to vote against this project, despite the approval recommendation by their Planning staff.

Additionally, the Planning Board asked that the County Commissioners look hard at making changes to development laws to prevent such developments from occurring on 30a. Folks we have the momentum on our side going into this final stage!

We have met with our attorneys this week to prepare our strategy for the County Commission Hearing. In addition to presenting our legal arguments as to why this proposed development should be rejected, we will be bringing in expert witnesses to support our positions. We must let the Developer and the County Commissioners know this is unacceptable and we are prepared to defeat this proposal using our legal strength, expert testimonies, voter voices and financial support.

If you are passionate about this cause, we need you to get behind this financially now.


We must raise an additional $20,000 by Thursday January 22nd in order to make sure we have the funds needed to take this through the County Commission Hearing.
The amount we are asking each of us to give will take care of the legal fees and professional fees for expert testimony. If each of us gives $50-$100, we will reach the amount needed and the excess will go toward getting development codes changed for the future.


If you’ve already given before, then thank you and we need your help again. If you haven’t given yet, then please do so now.
Our mutual cause and passion is worth the sacrifice in order to keep 30a the unique beauty we all love. Click here to give online. If you would rather send a check by mail, please make your check payable to South Walton Community Council and send to the following address:
SWCC
PO Box 1661
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459


Please, let’s not stop this fight before giving ourselves the chance to declare victory!
PS – We will be sending you a list of email addresses and contacts later in the week so you can express your opposition in writing to County Commissioners. We will also keep you informed of our progress and the date, time and location of the County Commission Hearing.

Stay up to date (or catch up) on all the news on this issue, meeting dates/times, get email addresses for elected officials, donate to the legal fund, and sign up for emails here http://lovemy30a.com/

There is new news every day- you don't want to miss anything!

I live in Seagrove Beach and can vouch for the traffic congestion during Spring and summer. It is awful. But I do not think anyone or anything will stop the Hampton Inn from being built. Will it add that much more traffic? Well look at the Prominence Development, North and South of 30a, and Alys beach, and Water color and WaterSound, how much traffic do you think all those new homes will generate? It will be a whole lot more than the Hampton Inn will generate. You can't have it both ways. If this area continues to grow at the rate it is being developed, it won't really matter if hotels build on 30a, because it is going to be grid lock regardless. I wish the Hotel was being built in a less developed part of 30a. Not everyone can afford to visit our area, and stay Saturday to Saturday. This will give Tourists an opportunity to visit 30a, and pay less to do so. Wait, weren't we all tourists once? Thanks TDC.

built on a less developed part of 30a?? So just not in Your back yard!? Well it Want be on the West End because all our large undeveloped parcels are called State Lands/Parks. #LOL #westendnaturalbeauty
More Dune Lakes than new large developments.

The reason I mentioned the Hotel being built in a less congested area is for obvious reasons, but not what you are implying.

The reason I mentioned the Hotel being built in a less congested area is for obvious reasons, but not what you are implying.

Why do you think a Hampton Inn on 30A would be a budget option? It absolutely would not. There are already condos and studios that would be are cheaper than many Hampton Inns on interstate exits.