Hello, All. I've been reading this board for a couple of months now and have found it to be great for keeping up with what's going on down 30A way. Thanks to all of you! I read the article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution today that is mentioned in another post and noticed that the Seagrove Villas have been sold and are to be torn down to provide a beach access for the development across the road. Though I have never stayed there, I always thought the Villas added a little touch of nostalgia and atmosphere to 30A and I have been surprised that no one has commented on the plans to tear them down. I guess I really don't know how old they are but have always assumed they were built in the 40's or 50's. I know that the only constant is change and that is has been proven time and again that there is no standing in the way of "progress" but I was wondering about the lack of reaction to this news. Is it old news posted from before my time or does no one really care?
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SoWal Expert
...and they are expanding the footprint of the buildings, which, by County Code, means that the grandfathered use will have to revert to the current zoning which would allow no more than one unit per lot (a total of four in this case). Also, according to Code, if the buildings' values are diminished by more than fifty percent, they lose the Grandfathered exception for zoning and would have to revert to current density. The developer says that they are not expanding because they will have the same number of units as the current hotel. (When the County Commissioners heard this, they let it slide. What they fail to address is that they are increasing the size of the units. The Code indicates "no expansion." I guess Nature Walk uses a different dictionary, and apparently, so do the Walton County Commissioners.So there are at least 3 major ways it completely violates some of the most basic zoning regulations? Can't wait for them to explain their approval come re-election time!
Beach Fanatic
Perhaps the Attorney General could investigate....
Beach Fanatic
I believe there are 2 lawsuits filed against Walton Co. on it's ruling on allowing of Naturewalk beachclub. This fight isn't over yet. And remember come election time that our 3 male commissioners all voted in favor of it while ignoring existing covenants and community outrage. I'm Curious since Compatability is such big issue for the Planning Dept. how a 66,000 sq. ft. building is compatable with single family homes?
So, is NatureWalk restrained from demolition until the suits are resolved? If not, they aren't going to help much.
SoWal Expert
So, is NatureWalk restrained from demolition until the suits are resolved? If not, they aren't going to help much.According to Walton County Code, if they demo the buildings, they can rebuild only one unit per lot of record. I am still wondering how they are going to pull this one off. I guess they don't think that people actually read the rules.
Beach Fanatic
I'm not sure whether they can start demolition while these suits are pending. The main point is that 3 county commissioners have sold out it's citizens AGAIN. They must be voted OUT WHEN POSSIBLE. Unfortunately this is Expensive. Anyone wanna help? Cause talk is cheap and lawyers aren't. Our group will accept all donations. Thanks for everyones concern.
Can they demo when a leatherback nest is at the base of its illegal Saewall? Surely it would be disruptive being so close to the nest.
Can they demo when a leatherback nest is at the base of its illegal Saewall? Surely it would be disruptive being so close to the nest.
Meow
Has Naturewalk sold any lots/started any houses?
Beach Fanatic
I'm not sure whether they can start demolition while these suits are pending. The main point is that 3 county commissioners have sold out it's citizens AGAIN. They must be voted OUT WHEN POSSIBLE. Unfortunately this is Expensive. Anyone wanna help? Cause talk is cheap and lawyers aren't. Our group will accept all donations. Thanks for everyones concern.
Can they demo when a leatherback nest is at the base of its illegal Saewall? Surely it would be disruptive being so close to the nest.
Agreed this is the "larger issue" and the one for ongoing concern. But the "smaller issue" of the Naturewalk Beach Club isn't exactly trivial.
Beach Fanatic
According to Walton County Code, if they demo the buildings, they can rebuild only one unit per lot of record. I am still wondering how they are going to pull this one off. I guess they don't think that people actually read the rules.
So what exactly does "one unit per lot of record" mean? How many lots are contained in the property? What is a unit?
Beach Fanatic
I believe there are 2 lawsuits filed against Walton Co. on it's ruling on allowing of Naturewalk beachclub. This fight isn't over yet. And remember come election time that our 3 male commissioners all voted in favor of it while ignoring existing covenants and community outrage. I'm Curious since Compatability is such big issue for the Planning Dept. how a 66,000 sq. ft. building is compatable with single family homes?
Do you have any other info on those lawsuits?
Beach Fanatic
No new info on the lawsuits. But they're going forward. Not sure when it is to be before a judge but the sooner the better.
Beach Fanatic
Agreed this is the "larger issue" and the one for ongoing concern. But the "smaller issue" of the Naturewalk Beach Club isn't exactly trivial.
Not sure what you mean. None of this is trivial especially the money being spent to fight our County to do what is required by law.
SoWal Expert
So what exactly does "one unit per lot of record" mean? How many lots are contained in the property? What is a unit?The property consists of four single family residential lots, and one unit, in this case, means one home per lot.
Beach Fanatic
The property consists of four single family residential lots, and one unit, in this case, means one home per lot.
That's it. Thanks.
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