To Concerned Citizens of Historic Point Washington

P.S. My husband took a look at this site plan and reminded me that in the Colorado ski country, we used to call it "Stack-a-Shack." You would think the builder would introduce a little bit of diversity by having some different elevations and unit types and sizes, that is, some one-story units and some variety in how they are configured on the lots. All the lots are even identical. Some one-story units would also provide for some more affordable and/or moderately-priced housing stock mixed in with the market rate homes.

Please feel free to use the "Stack-a-Shack" vernacular in your testimony before the County Commission. Good luck, everyone.

So it sounds like you are familiar with Tim Henderson's (Hendco) building style. He does change the color from house to house, but nothing more. I like your idea of one-story units, but not if it is Tim's usual 1400 sf home. I have seen enough of them. Perhaps if I remember, tomorrow, I will takeand post a picture of a street of homes which he built.

.... He does change the color from house to house, but nothing more. ....

Color changes according to what paint's on sale at the time! ? :roll:

Are the chances of this getting approval good? It would seem there would be such good arguments against it as it is presented now. Or is this one of those deals where the developer plans from the start to have to make compromises so he gives himself LOTS of wiggle room? (so he can better get what he wants in the end)

Color changes according to what's on sale at the time! ? :roll:

Are the chances of this getting approval good? It would seem there would be such good arguments against it as it is presented now. Or is this one of those deals where the developer plans from the start to have to make compromises so he gives himself LOTS of wiggle room? (so he can better get what he wants in the end)

I don't know what the chances are that it will get approval. It would not surprise me if it was approved. It could depend upon the relationship between Tim and the County Commissioners. People cannot just show up to the meeting and say that Tim's projects are unsightly, and hope that it does not get approved. The Commissioner are supposed to look at evidence. Why is this project non-conforming? What is the history of Pt Washington? How might this project, if approved, hurt the other land owners in the area? etc.

Today, most developers do not leave much wiggle room. ie- they typically don't ask for more than they want, because their projects will more easily be rejected. I think it is more typical to initially ask for less until it is approved, then come back and ask for a little more.

Yes, it's easier to swallow following a thousand bites than in one gulp. But if the planning parameters, such as overall density and height limitations are set at the beginning, it is much more difficult to make substantive changes later. On the face of it, it would seem there is no overriding benefit or argument as to why this developer should get exceptions to existing ordinances and other County plans. I do not see any redeeming qualities in this design. I see some buidling envelopes encroaching into wetlands areas.

In fact, a closer look makes me wonder if this will pass muster with the fire protection provider. They have provided this turnaround for the engine, but if the houses are two-story (or taller, as you indicate he requests), then it will be very difficult to fight a fire and prevent it from spreading from one house to the next. The sideyard setbacks are too close and the height of walls too great. The "Stack-a-Shack" concept that I referred to had a fire in a ski community just outside Aspen and the fire department could not effectively fight the fire because of the construction and proximity of sidewalls within the development. The entire project was lost to fire.

The folks on the bus will want to ask the fire department about their review of this project and point out that there may be no "clear access" around the buildings due to the minimal sideyards and > height of structures. In cases like this, a ladder truck would be required. Does the closest response fire station have a ladder truck? Many don't. The cost for these trucks is around $875K, which doesn't include requirements for additional trained personnel at the station to operate the trucks (two drivers instead of one, etc.).

If I was a neighbor commenting on this project, I would ask for more variation in the building styles, sizes and elevations. I would ask for a landscaping concept that justifies the clean cutting of the forest there. I would carefully read all the in-house comments that other departments make (Fish & Game, Building Dept., Fire Department, Public Works, etc.) and make sure that their requirements are clearly conditions of approval that must be met before a building permit can be issued. And most importantly, I would lobby the County staff and officials to the effect that the project does not include any redeeming or overriding benefits that justify a deviation from the County's existing plans and ordinances and design review precedents. Good luck.

Donna,

YOU ARE GOOD at what you do! Keep the ideas coming. Are "the people on the bus" accessing this board? Great food for thought here!

...

The folks on the bus will want to ask the fire department about their review of this project and point out that there may be no "clear access" around the buildings due to the minimal sideyards and > height of structures. In cases like this, a ladder truck would be required. Does the closest response fire station have a ladder truck? Many don't. The cost for these trucks is around $875K, which doesn't include requirements for additional trained personnel at the station to operate the trucks (two drivers instead of one, etc.)....

FYI - the fire/rescue station at WaterColor has a ladder truck and they would most likely be the respondents to any fire in the Pt Washington area.

No bus to meeting

GREAT points Donna; you are obviously well versed in this I hope you can come to the meeting and speak.

It seems most everyone wants to drive themselves to this meeting as I have had only two who expressed interest in the bus. I have decided to not persue the bus idea however it seems a lot of folks will be at the meeting. Please help pass the word!!!!! Thanks to all. Dave Rauschkolb

IF you care deeply about the future of Historic Point Washington please contact new sowal member Randy Harleson at rharelson@earthlink.net to be on this list for the meeting

Historic Point Washington Association

The Historic Point Washington Association is a group of townsfolk,
residents, and friends who share an interest in discovering and
preserving the unique heritage of Point Washington, Florida, one of the
oldest settlements in Walton County (circa1880). The Association aims
to gather, preserve, and share accurate historical information about
the community and to help preserve its character, scale, architecture,
and open spaces.

The Historic Point Washington Association enjoys and studies the
appealing aesthetic and environmental qualities of today?s community
with an eye toward positively affecting its continued development in
the 21st Century.

Founding Members:


Ed Berry
Rachel Berry
Colleen Foley
James Foley
Richard Gibbs
David Higgs
Peter Horn
Susan Horn
Randy Horton
Kurt Lischka
Grace Marse
Hugh Marse
Jeff Nablo
Brett Nunn
Ty Nunn
Dave Rauschkolb
Cheryl Troxel

I canceled the bus trip to the meeting due to lack of interest; 4 may ride with me if you wish; contact me at dave@budandalleys.com

Dave Rauschkolb

Dear CountyCommissioners November 7, 2005

This letter is written in regard to Oaks at Eden, a proposed development located in Historic Point Washington. This development is scheduled to be addressed at tomorrows BCC meeting in DeFuniak Springs.

As most of you know, my wife?s family has Point Washington ties dating back to the late 1800?s. Point Washington is our home and has tremendous meaning to us. With that said, we understand development is coming to Point Washington. We do not object to projects that keep with the historical feel of the area. In fact we are part of it with land in Eden?s Landing a new development that takes into account the landscape and feel of the area.

However, this new project in it?s current proposal is simply not compatible with the community. The density issue, height of the structures and potential destruction of the amazing trees that the project is named after are just a few of our concerns. Twenty Nine (29) forty (40) foot buildings are simply not Point Washington. I could go on and on as to the many other concerns, such as storm water run off, traffic impacts, adverse impacts on property values and more.

Please consider these comments, review the site plan and vote to deny this project in it?s current state. Historic Point Washington is not the place for this high impact project. Walton County especially South Walton is growing so fast. Lets all take a breath, slow down and really study the impacts that developments such as this will have on our area.

Once again, thank you for your time, your assistance in preserving the feel and Historic nature of our community is appreciated.

Sincerely


Ed Berry
Rachel Morgan
Point Washington

See report on local channel 13 tonight at 6.

When we started the Scenic 30 A Business Association in the late 80's. The designation of the C-30A as a Scenic road was a dream of ours.

50 or so concerned citizens met at Criolla's and formed the association to work on preserving the character of C-30A and began a dialog with the County Commissioners regarding limiting building heights, sign ordinances, adding bike paths and so on. In those days there were even fewer voting residents in South Walton and we felt strongly a business association would get the Commissioners attention and we did very effectively. We felt if we did not do something then undesirable development would swallow us just like in Destin and Panama City. We felt passionately the character of our beach road held tremendous value and had to be preserved and cherished. We felt the development that would come should be compatible and enhance our community. In the long run most developers caught on and property values soared.

Back then we did not have the financial resources to accomplish some of our goals but we did accomplish a lot. We fought against a putt-putt golf course close to where Angelina's is today and won; what would have been next, A bungee jump with go carts?

One of the projects I worked on was designing and placing all the signs at each small community on 30A giving pride to each as a unique part of C-30A. In those days only Seaside had a sign and there was a lot of jealousy of this upstart, instantly successful town. The TDC generously paid for the signs and continues to maintain them.

I felt strongly the area and our road needed an identity separating it from the surrounding areas. Each small community needed to be identified as unique and special. The signs also set an example and sent a message that small signs can be very effective; we had no sign ordinance then. When we were deciding what to call the road I pushed for calling it Scenic 30-A. I figured that even though the road was not officially designated as such we should just call it like we saw it; a truly scenic road. Why not make it so and hope it would eventually happen?

Well it looks like it is really going to happen and I am so proud of the efforts of the The Scenic 30A Corridor Advocacy Group, a lot of dedicated, determined, special people who are working to make this designation a reality.

Our little organization no longer exists but I remember all too well how the energy and determination of a few can move mountains. We had a few important goals, dreams really and organisations like the The Scenic 30A Corridor Advocacy Group, The South Walton Community Council and The Beach to Bay Alliance have taken the torch and accomplished and continue to accomplish almost all we set out to do. The Peach Creek Alliance literally did move mountains when it stopped an incompatible concrete plant.

The newly formed Historic Point Washington Association wishes to someday have Point Washington designated as a historic place much in the same way we hoped we could one day call Scenic 30-A for what it really is.

It's funny we have to get a designation sometimes to prove what we already know is true. The important thing to remember is official designations give us the power to preserve, protect and defend what we hold dear and I can think of no more noble a cause for a community. The words on the Walton County Seal send a similar message: Pride, Preservation and Conservation. It is our duty as citizens to hold our County Commissioners to those words, otherwise those words are a hollow pledge.

The commissioners are hard working and dedicated people who also care deeply about this county. All you need to do is go to one meeting and see what it takes to do their job; it is thankless work. We and they must always remember though, the commissioners work for us and it is our duty to vote out those who are consistently blind and deaf to their Constituents.

I have seen it time and again how this community dreams and moves mountains. We have much to be proud of and much to do. Let us Preserve, Protect and Defend what we hold dear and never waver. Not once, not ever. This place is far to special to do anything else.



Be on the Look out for information on joining the effort to officially designate Historic Point Washington for what it is, Historic


Dave Rauschkolb

Thank you Dave and friends. You have done much to save the place so many of us love. It makes me sing with joy to have your group's dream come true! If Hwy. 98 can become "scenic"....30-A is beautific!!! (is that a word?) Good luck with your stand on Pt. Washington, may cooler heads prevail!

Web version of the tv report:

http://www.wmbb.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WMBB%2FMGArticle%2FMBB_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128768052558&path=!news!archives

Residents Say Historic Community Threatened


By Christopher Mitchell (cmitchell@wmbb.com)
News 13 On Your Side
Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Point Washington, FL - Residents living in the historic community of Point Washington in Walton County say they're not against development, but they're fighting one developer from what they call "threatening their neighborhood." Point Washington is in south Walton County just north of Highway 98 on County Road 395.

Point Washington was settled in the late 1800's. Residents have preserved the historic cemetary, church, post office, school and even an old mansion that's become Eden Gardens State Park. Randy Harelson lives right next to that state park. "I moved here 7 years ago because of its small one-story houses, its open space and its beautiful trees," he says. But, he's worried that a developer, the Hendco Company located in Destin, is threatening the historical integrity of his community with plans to build several three and four story homes in one small area down the street. "I have an acre of land here with a house and a barn, and on theirs, they will have more than six houses on this much property, and that's much too dense," he says.

Many residents in Point Washington say that they're not against developers developing on the land. They're just against how it's being developed. James Foley is a 30-year resident of Point Washington and local historian. He says he feels other developers are doing things right. "The one development that is closest to this," he says, standing near Hendco's proposed development site, "actually sat down with all the neighbors. They chose the local bricks that we used in the (old) school." But, he says Hendco isn't doing that. "These guys show up with a cookie-cutter, anywhere USA maximum density (plan), chopping down way too many trees and basically creating an eyesore in the middle of a very important historic resource."

Harelson agrees with Foley. "We want developers to come in and develop on half-acre lots with one or two story houses like we have always done so that it's in helping with our historic community," Harelson says. And, residents hope Hendco will change its plans and become one of them within the next two weeks. That's when county commissioners will decide whether or not to allow Hendco to proceed with development plans. Until then, county leaders asked the developer and residents to sit down and discuss a possible resolution to the problem.

At the commissioners meeting on Tuesday we were successful in delaying the approval of the Oaks at Eden Development for two more weeks. Thanks to all who helped with research and sending letters to the commissioners. The Commissioners asked the Developer, Hendco to meet with us to try to work out a compromise.

We are asking your help to send this letter to the commissioners or pass it on to anyone who has not yet sent one to them. We are asking them to deny the development unless they modify it to be compatible with the existing community of Historic Point Washington. Thank you for all your help!! Also Randy Harelson and Jim Foley were interviewed on WMBB TV last night about our efforts!! If you agree with our efforts PLEASE send a letter to the Commissioners. THANK YOU!!!

Dave Rauschkolb

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:

? Dist. 1 ? Scott Brannon, (850) 622-3081, brascott@co.walton.fl.us
? Dist. 2 ? Kenneth Pridge, (850) 834-6328, prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us
? Dist. 3 ? Larry Jones, (850) 892-8474, jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us
? Dist. 4 ? Ro Cuchens, (850) 835-4834, cucro@co.walton.fl.us
? Dist. 5 ? Cindy Meadows, (850) 622-3059, meacindy@co.walton.fl.us




Dear Commissioner,
Please count me as a concerned citizen opposed to the height and density of the proposed Oaks At Eden Development. It does not meet compatibility requirements with the surrounding neighborhoods of Pt. Washington.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address

Dave, sorry I couldn't attend the meeting on Tuesday. I did see the story on this morning's news.
What are the chances that Tim (Tim Henderson of Hendco) will actually sit down with the locals of Pt Washington to discuss ideas for changes to his plan? I know Tim can be a stubborn old mule at times. By the way, I dig your little place back there, next to the subject property.

For the record, I think it is great to hear residents say that they are not opposed to development, as long as it fits the surrounding area. I heard both Randy and Foley say this in the interviews. Otherwise, Commissioners might think that the residents of Pt Washington were against every type of development, and the crying voices would not be heard. Great job of being both professional and concerned. :clap_1:

For everyone concerned with only 30-A, I urge you to remember that today this development may not concern you, but remember who you want to be on your side, when the day comes and you are the one being affected. Stand up and make your voice known, and help fight to keep the integrity of one of the first two settlements in this area. Alone, we may fail, but together, we make a great chorus.

Well said Joe, good words, thanks for your support and insight. We met a little over a week ago and all agreed our message should be to welcome the development yet be very direct and specific that this is not about anything but compatibility and it isn't. We have the resources to drag this out a very long time if necessary. We don't plan on giving up any time soon.

As for weather Tim Henderson will be reasonable remains to be seen. Pretty much at the meeting they did not budge an inch. They made a few non binding promises and lowered the heights from 40 to 38 feet. Big deal! We will not settle for any more than 32 feet (2 1/2 stories) and 4 units per acre, not 6 & 1/2.

Peter Horn with the Eden's landing development came to the community and listened. He modified his plan even against the advice of his investors to do the right thing for the community as a whole and it will come back to him ten fold. There is no substitute for community support and nothing worse then community scorn. These guys have an opportunity to step up to the plate and turn this around. I sincerely hope they do.

If you want to help, feel free to join the HPWA to make the designation of Point Washington as a historic town. You might have to be less anonymous though. Thanks Joe

If you want to help, feel free to join the HPWA to make the designation of Point Washington as a historic town. You might have to be less anonymous though. Thanks Joe

You never know, I may already be a member. :scratch:

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! A Haa! I think you could be Kurt's alter ego/pseudonym

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! A Haa! I think you could be Kurt's alter ego/pseudonym

Hmmmmm...where's Angela Lansbury?

For everyone concerned with only 30-A, I urge you to remember that today this development may not concern you, but remember who you want to be on your side, when the day comes and you are the one being affected. Stand up and make your voice known, and help fight to keep the integrity of one of the first two settlements in this area. Alone, we may fail, but together, we make a great chorus.

I sent out the e-mail today, personalized a little. We looked at lots in Pt. Washington when we bought. Nice area.

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! A Haa! I think you could be Kurt's alter ego/pseudonym

I couldn't possibly shoot that many pictures.


Look for a tall, kind stranger, with a smile, wearing .

I couldn't possibly shoot that many pictures.


Look for a tall, kind stranger, with a smile, wearing .

Now I cannot wear my Thanks for nothin' ;-)

It gets difficult trying to remember which username I am typing under.

Stranger in Walton Co? Nah.

SJ- I picture you walking down the street with a little frog parade behind you. Little happy frogs all drinking Guinness.

Residents of Point Washington are concerned about the proposed Oaks at Eden which that they see as incompatible with their community.
The height of the homes in the proposed subdivision is the major sticking point between residents and the developer. The area surrounding the Oaks contains buildings that are one to one and a half stories tall. The homes proposed for the Oaks will be three stories. Originally the homes were 50, feet then lowered to 40 feet. Then at the Walton Board of County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 8, the developer agreed to lower them to 38 feet.
Residents in Point Washington are asking for a maximum height of 32 feet. They say they are willing to work with the developer to come up with a plan more suitable to the area.
?We?re asking for (the developer) to work with us,? Ed Berry, a seven year resident of Point Washington, said. ?We?re not asking for total denial. We are asking for proper development.?
Compatibility is at the center of the debate. With one side saying the development is compatible and the other saying it isn?t.
?Compatibility in Walton County is elusive,? Randy Gardner, speaking in favor of the development, said to the BCC. ?It can always be interpreted. There will always be a group that will be against something. This project meets the (Land Development Code) and we would like you to approve.?
Gardner added that he would be wiling to work with the residents of Point Washington to address their concerns, but doesn?t want their recommendations to be contingent on approval.
Discussions with the board got spirited at times and on many occasions audience members sympathetic to the Point Washington residents vocally called out their opinions and clapped in support of speakers asking for a redesign of the Oaks.
Commissioner Cindy Meadows call the Oaks a ?cookie cutter? community referring to how many planned communities all look the same. She wants it to be redesigned to be more compatible with Point Washington.
Gardner responded saying that ?cookie cutter? is a subjective term and that someone will always disprove of a development?s design.
Commissioners Larry Jones, Scott Brannon and Meadows all voiced support for the developer and Point Washington residents to meet and work something out.
?I don?t think they are very far apart,? Jones said. ?I encourage the applicant to get with the folks and talk about it. It might be in the applicant?s best interest to take a couple of weeks and see if these issues can get ironed out.?
Commissioner Ro Cuchens supported approval of the Oaks.
?The historical area (of Point Washington) needs to evolve,? Cuchens said, which got a negative response from many of those in attendance.
Cuchens made a motion to approve the development, but the motion failed when no one seconded it.
Brannon moved to table the development until the Nov. 22 BCC meeting so the two sides could come to an agreement. The motion passed 4-1 with Cuchens voting nay.
The BCC instructed Pat Blackshear, director of Planning and Development, and her staff to meet with the developer and residents of Point Washington to try and work out some of the issues.