Hampton Inn Seagrove Beach on Chateau Hotel Property

Keep in mind that the county commissioners are the ones who have received thousands in campaign contributions from Mr. Davis, not to mention the thousands that he's contributed to the sheriff, school superintendent and some of the school board members.

Keep in mind that the county commissioners are the ones who have received thousands in campaign contributions from Mr. Davis, not to mention the thousands that he's contributed to the sheriff, school superintendent and some of the school board members.

Everyone that is feeling upset, defeated, disappointed here because of the Planning Commission's decision needs to keep one thing in mind. Mr. Davis may have lots of money, but we have lots of people. The opposing interest this generated and organized in just a couple of weeks came within one vote of getting it pushed back from planning. I'm really proud of the SWCC and the "Not on My 30A" group for the progress it made.

I also think the opposition is much larger than what was represented at the meeting. Things haven't been going right for a long time on 30A. It's time to change.

I've seen this Walton Family movie before.

The planning commission approves. If enough voters raise a ruckus, the BCC will vote against on compatability issues. It's the gray area that is open to interpretation and lawyers are stymied. Developers have the money but the public has the votes.

Having said that, the county has rolled over many times because of fear of lawsuits. Or backed down when sued.

If it is approved then the people can sue and drag it out. No hotel wants to open with 2 black eyes.

The BCC has a variety of options to stop the project or reduce its size without gray areas or a lawsuit.

Simplest solution is for them to not grant the Preservation Buyout.

I've seen this Walton Family movie before.

The planning commission approves. If enough voters raise a ruckus, the BCC will vote against on compatability issues. It's the gray area that is open to interpretation and lawyers are stymied. Developers have the money but the public has the votes.

Having said that, the county has rolled over many times because of fear of lawsuits. Or backed down when sued.

If it is approved then the people can sue and drag it out. No hotel wants to open with 2 black eyes.

And hopefully MC Davis realizes that should he continue with a full court press lumbering this project to fruition, despite all of his past good works, he will 'go out' with the shiners on his reputation and legacy. Reputations are hard to come by, easy to lose and no amount of money can ever really repair one once damaged.

Great idea not to call it a Hampton Inn. Maybe they could call it the 'Hamlet Inn' with no overt affiliation with Hilton or any other chain or franchise. And since everyone is so consumed with chains and franchises that don't belong, perhaps they can close the Tom Thumb store and any other "chain operation" that may be operating along 30a. Would you be OK with a hotel called Motel 7?

Wasn't Tom Thumb grandfathered in? Or was it allowed because it no independent gas station was interested in building on 30A? I've always wondered about this. I mean, you can't have people running out of gas on 30A. I for one frequently run low. Couldn't make it to 331.

Although I realize it's highly unlikely, how would most of you feel if the owners of the Watercolor Inn were to sell out to Omni Hotels or enter into a franchise agreement with another hotel chain or group?

Although I realize it's highly unlikely, how would most of you feel if the owners of the Watercolor Inn were to sell out to Omni Hotels or enter into a franchise agreement with another hotel chain or group?

That is fine. Hotel and its density already exists. Doesn't really matter about the name.

Wasn't Tom Thumb grandfathered in? Or was it allowed because it no independent gas station was interested in building on 30A?

IIRC, you can't ban based on whether a business is independent or a franchise that's part of a national chain; it has to be for other reasons. The 'no drive through' rule for 30-A effectively kept a lot of fast food chains out because it's a necessary part of their business model. But they couldn't explicitly say 'no fast food chain restaurants' in the land plan ( or whatever it's called) and eventually a Subway that didn't need a drive-through did open up rather uneventfully along the road and there was briefly a Lee's Chicken franchise in IIRC, Gulf Place.

IIRC, you can't ban based on whether a business is independent or a franchise that's part of a national chain; it has to be for other reasons. The 'no drive through' rule for 30-A effectively kept a lot of fast food chains out because it's a necessary part of their business model. But they couldn't explicitly say 'no fast food chain restaurants' in the land plan ( or whatever it's called) and eventually a Subway that didn't need a drive-through did open up rather uneventfully along the road and there was briefly a Lee's Chicken franchise in IIRC, Gulf Place.

That pretty much shoots down the argument that chain hotels don't fit doesn't it? I never believed that was a viable objection since a lot of independently owned businesses sell out to chains.

That pretty much shoots down the argument that chain hotels don't fit doesn't it? I never believed that was a viable objection since a lot of independently owned businesses sell out to chains.

Why is everyone so caught up in the national chain argument when many other valid reasons for denying this project were presented at the meeting and will be used at the upcoming BCC meeting?

If ya'll decide to incorporate, you can call the town Little Buckhead.

Perfect!!!!!!!

Why is everyone so caught up in the national chain argument when many other valid reasons for denying this project were presented at the meeting and will be used at the upcoming BCC meeting?

You're right, Jenny.

If the issue is with halting more people, traffic, development then then even if this passes the movement needs to continue and not stop.

If the issue is with cookie cutter buildings then the Hampton Inn or any other hotel should be uniquely designed and attractive. I think this can only come from requiring a design approval process and that has to be added to the approval process.

In order for that to happen then the atmosphere here has to change toward controlling and regulating business which means the elected people have to change.

When is the county Commission going to vote on this?

A date/time for a county commission hearing on the proposal is scheduled to be discussed at the commissioners' regular meeting on Tuesday. They may also talk about holding the hearing in a larger meeting room.

They need to especially talk about holding the meeting in a larger room!

They need to especially talk about holding the meeting in a larger room!

I had heard that the high school was being considered.

Vegas odds are 3-2 Against project

4 to 1 for.

I'm not betting on how the commissioners will vote but I'm guessing that they'll have some advice from the county attorney about any legal details and the possibility of litigation.

Perhaps the real issue regarding decisions made for the 30-A area relevant to zoning and development is that the majority of homeowners are not Walton County residents. Thus, they don't have the ability to vote people into office that might respect their wishes.

I don't believe the elected officials have much influence on planning and zoning. These positions are salaried or appointed, and I've been told that the developers have a stranglehold on the process. The BCC has tried get better planning ordinances put in place, but the powers that be have their people in place in both the planning department and the planning commission. And so the system is slanted towards unbridled overdevelopment.

I do understand the traffic implications and the beach access issues. What might be great for local businesses culminates in dread for homeowners. Some of you are both.
I made a life decision to move my primary residence to Walton County, on 30-A in a non-rental community East of Camp Creek with quick access to 98. I am extremely concerned about traffic on 30-A.
I'm a retired civil engineer (highways and roadways). My greatest concern is population density and the road widening and traffic lights that result.

I don't disagree, but there are legislative changes that residents could propose. You are absolutely right that "the powers that be" are in control. Maybe some grass roots support for a candidate/candidate(s) that represents non-resident homeowners should be considered. Money talks. I think most of the money in Sowal real estate comes from non-resident homeowners. Forgive me if I'm wrong.