25 Story Condo proposed in Walton County!!!

I do know the owners have tried to sell the acreage for quite some time. perhaps they have decided to put together the DO and sell it to a developer. there is something behind this proposal that we don't know.

The plot is fiendishly simple:


(1) They have a dog of a property that they can't sell, just like their neighbors

(2) They are in an area with no restrictions on high-rises

(3) There is no objection to a high-rise in that area by Eglin AFB

(4) They scratch their heads and think :scratch:

(5) They put out a story about a "25-story condo" that will get attention

(6) The proposal jars the county from its sleep to "act"

(7) County can't do a damn thing to deny their 25-story condo...but...

(8) They can slap a building height restriction so no one else can build one

(9) Presto-chango....that ubiquitous piece of dirt is now the ONLY one in the county that will allow such a monstrosity and they'll sell it some time down the road as an "exclusive" parcel to some deep-pocket developer.

I just hope someone at the meeting has the wherewithal to remind the county to tax that property correctly.



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The plot is fiendishly simple:


(1) They have a dog of a property that they can't sell, just like their neighbors

(2) They are in an area with no restrictions on high-rises

(3) There is no objection to a high-rise in that area by Eglin AFB

(4) They scratch their heads and think :scratch:

(5) They put out a story about a "25-story condo" that will get attention

(6) The proposal jars the county from its sleep to "act"

(7) County can't do a damn thing to deny their 25-story condo...but...

(8) They can slap a building height restriction so no one else can build one

(9) Presto-chango....that ubiquitous piece of dirt is now the ONLY one in the county that will allow such a monstrosity and they'll sell it some time down the road as an "exclusive" parcel to some deep-pocket developer.

Congratulations!!! We have a B-I-N-G-O on the third row.

Brannon's word were very specific about regulating future development.

Alright, let's start digging and see who is related to whom.

SHELLY...you are wicked smart.

I found the parcels, and am very familiar with them. I've walked the larger track, and have wetland maps showing half of it covered in wetlands, so Dana Matthews may be stretching the truth to say that the owners could have raped the land. Without buying additional mitigation land, they could not develop the entire property and that is why they are apparently trying to go vertical with it. There are only single family residences in that area, so this is a crazy proposal.

I am attaching a map, with where I believe the property to be located.

I'll be a opossum on a Gum Bush. Guess who, according the WalCo Prop. Appraiser's Office, owns a Bayfront lot, 10 lots to the east? That's right, our very own Walton County Commission Chairman, Ken Pridgen (parcel id 03-2S-19-24060-00C-0060 )

I'll be a opossum on a Gum Bush. Guess who, according the WalCo Prop. Appraiser's Office, owns a Bayfront lot, 10 lots to the east? That's right, our very own Walton County Commission Chairman, Ken Pridgen (parcel id 03-2S-19-24060-00C-0060 )

Does Ken want his taxes to go up? (See: Highest, best use) Or does he think if this is approved he might sell the property for more? The mind reels. Excellent detective work.

If ever we needed someone from Sowal to run for a BCC seat , it is certainly the next election. This latest absurdity is reason for someone to step up to the plate and lead.

Does Ken want his taxes to go up? (See: Highest, best use) Or does he think if this is approved he might sell the property for more? The mind reels. Excellent detective work.

I seriously doubt that Ken has anything to do with it and most likely will abstain from voting on this particular project since he does own property nearby, but one cannot help but think that the surrounding properties would also increase in value if it gets approved because the precedence will be set and future similar developements will spawn. If Ken actually lived at that property he owns, he might even be opposed to it, though he would still likely abstain from the vote, but don't think that abstaining from the vote equates to not having a say through the other Commissioners' votes. They could call all the condo towers lining the north side of the Bay, Freeport Heights.

I seriously doubt that Ken has anything to do with it and most likely will abstain from voting on this particular project since he does own property nearby, but one cannot help but think that the surrounding properties would also increase in value if it gets approved because the precedence will be set and future similar developements will spawn. If Ken actually lived at that property he owns, he might even be opposed to it, though he would still likely abstain from the vote, but don't think that abstaining from the vote equates to not having a say through the other Commissioners' votes. They could call all the condo towers lining the north side of the Bay, Freeport Heights.

Am I right that the 8-plus-acre parcel is valued at a bit over 300K? There must be a lot of wetlands on that parcel. :shock: Either that or the Property Appraiser has been hanging out in SoWal for the past couple of years and forgetting about the other folks.

I'm assuming that the parcel at which you are looking is the one listed at 8.28 acres and valued at $307,866. If so, the error in the Property Assessor's office is that it is tied together with an 8 acre parcel, a little north of the large track which connects into Hwy 331. The large track is well over 40 acres and closer to 55-60 acres, but the Prop Appraiser's office has it listed as only 8.28 acres. Even in the tax breakout, it shows two line items, totalling the 8.28 acres. However, the Assessed Value is very similar to the adjacent 40+ acre Bayfront properties, so I don't think it is an error.

Looking further into this aforementioned matter, I notice that I may have mistakenly included a few small tracks in with this ~55 acre track. It is difficult to say without whipping out my area calculator, because the WalCo Property Appraiser's Office has it all screwed up.

Just because Eglin isn't complaining now doesn't mean they won't be throwing their weight around later. They went three rounds and won with Peter Bos over the Turnberry project in Destin. (which effectively kept him from pre-selling that project during the 2005 boom)

Granted Walton doesn't have the same sort of stake in keeping Eglin happy that Okaloosa does, (though they do have the sizeable Space Tracking center NW of Freeport) but I wouldn't be surprised to see some talk in the next couple of weeks about military-related building limits in the area no more than 200 feet above mean sea level like you get in Destin.

Just because Eglin isn't complaining now doesn't mean they won't be throwing their weight around later. They went three rounds and won with Peter Bos over the Turnberry project in Destin. (which effectively kept him from pre-selling that project during the 2005 boom)

And as a result, Pete Bos thumbs his nose at the Air Force everyday by forcing its pilots to have to view this steaming pile of guano he plopped at the foot of Destin bridge.




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And as a result, Pete Bos thumbs his nose at the Air Force everyday by forcing its pilots to have to view this steaming pile of guano he plopped at the foot of Destin bridge.




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SHELLY is very abstract!

Isn't that what a 25 story building over the Choctawhatchee bay would look like though, a giant steamin' pile of guano? :roll: YES...

anyone else find it amusing that they are combining an RV park and a 25 story condo tower...that right there is enough for anyone with common sense to know that a high rise is not the right use for this area.

I think it is a strategic move. Since the current owners reportedly don't have enough financial strength to move forward with completing the condos, and given the week condo market, if approved for D.O., they can start with the RV park, which costs almost nothing, and have some cash flow, while also meeting the Counties need for starting the construction of infrastructure in order to keep the D.O. I could easily see the RV park being eliminated after the condo goes up. That said, they upper floor levels should have unobstructed views of some mobile homes and an RV park just north of the subject property.

Write those letters and emails today!!!! Pick up the phone and call. Write those emails everyday. Same ones, over and over and over!!!


There email addresses are (simply copy and paste):

scott brannon <brascott@co.walton.fl.us>,
Cindy Meadows <meacindy@co.Walton.fl.us>,
Sara Commander <comsara@co.Walton.fl.us>,
ken pridgen <prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us>,
larry jones <jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us>


Dear Commissioner,
I understand that there is a 25 story project proposed for Walton County, which is currently before the Planning Dept. I urge you to make a motion and vote for the passage of the height restriction, currently on the books for South Walton, to be extended for all of Walton County. This should be done right away, at the next BCC meeting, prior to this proposed 25 story project coming before the BCC.

Sincerely,

(your name)

On Business Wire:

http://home.businesswire.com/portal...g=en&beanID=2133606841&viewID=news_view_popup




September 10, 2007 09:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Developers Seek to Enhance Freeport Area with Environmentally Responsible Project

Planned Jolly Bay Development to Maximize Land Use While Bringing Needed Amenities and Infrastructure to Growing Community

FREEPORT, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jolly Bay LLC, a new development company dedicated to responsible growth for Walton County and its residents, announced the plans for a new resort nestled in the live oaks, magnolias and pines of Walton County along the north shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Plans for this development set it aside from other local projects as it will include an upscale RV park, a Bed & Breakfast, a 120 Unit Condominium, a marina and both commercial and retail space. Situated on 60 acres of land, Jolly Bay?s project will only reside on 17 acres in order to preserve 43 acres for natural beauty and to ensure the integrity of the surrounding area.
Building vertically in a condominium highrise instead of sprawling out the living units allows much of the 60 acre site to remain intact, according to the developers. The county comprehensive plan allows for 2 units per acre on the 60 acre site; therefore, the developer is allowed 120 units. The plans are that the 26 story building will offer affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units with unprecedented views of South Walton?s rivers, bayous and bay. The project?s first phase will include the RV park and the Camp Store. Future phases will include the bed and breakfast, commercial areas, amenities and the condominium.
Jolly Bay LLC was founded by longtime Walton County residents Carl Post and Kimberly Maxwell. ?Having lived in Freeport for 25 years, long before any of the recent development was even conceived, Carl and I have been planning to find a unique way to develop this parcel of land while preserving its natural beauty and surroundings. We want to provide the community with new amenities and living space that will improve the quality of life for current residents and allow newcomers to appreciate the beauty of this area,? stated Maxwell.
Jolly Bay LLC has worked closely with Walton County for over 2 ? years during the development process to ensure that site plans fit the parameters of the County?s comprehensive plan for Freeport. Jolly Bay will be just north of the US Highway 331 Bridge, allowing residents and visitors easy access to both the beaches of South Walton and the community of Freeport. Specific plans for the site include:
1 55 site RV Park
2 20 room Bed and Breakfast
3 49 slip Marina
4 Camp Store
5 Coffee Shop
6 Restaurant
7 Over 14,000 feet of Office and Retail to include full service gym, offices, shops and other retail
8 Open green space park and performance stage
9 Fitness and Nature Trail
10 120 Unit Condominium
?We want this resort to provide a definitive sense of community and pride for Freeport. It will be a place that people come to experience the rich history and the serene beauty of the area. People will stop by for a day, a week, or to stay forever. We believe that Jolly Bay will be a wonderful addition to the area,? added Maxwell.
About Jolly Bay LLC
Jolly Bay LLC was formed to develop environmentally sensitive property for best use while keeping the integrity of the land and natural beauty intact. Jolly Bay LLC is represented by Dana Matthews, of Matthews and Hawkins, at 837-3662 who is available for comment.

Thanks for posting Althea!

So much to examine here. My head is spinning from the spin. One thing that stands out to me is the mention of "affordable" units -- a nod to that hot button issue of Walton County's lack of affordable housing -- yet there is no indication of pricing or whether the units will actually be affordable housing. :roll:

If they were to build everything on that list, it would exceed current zoning.

I like the way the "developers" twist the fact that half of the property is wetlands and cannot be built upon without impacting the wetlands, which separate the uplands from the Bay. If they put in a marina, I would think they would have to dredge out the Bay in order to actually get boats there. Green and environmentally friendly? More like, "running out of ideas" of how to develop the property.

In the article, Kimberly Maxwell claims that she wants to add services which would benefit the community, but I've talked with a couple people who live in that immediate area and they say that everyone they know in neighborhood, which is most everyone, would hate to see that project approved. I won't tell you what else they say about the "developers."

T One thing that stands out to me is the mention of "affordable" units -- a nod to that hot button issue of Walton County's lack of affordable housing -- yet there is no indication of pricing or whether the units will actually be affordable housing. :roll:

The affordable housing is probably referring to the RV park.


Write those emails, everyone!!! Please!!! Just copy and paste, and type in your name.

The affordable housing is probably referring to the RV park.

WRONG!! That's going to be an "upscale" RV park. :roll:

I think you'll find their "affordable housing" is a refrigerator box under the 331 bridge.


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WRONG!! That's going to be an "upscale" RV park. :roll:

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I thought upscale referred to the RV pads being gravel instead of dirt.