To Concerned Citizens of Historic Point Washington

Beach Fanatic

Oct 31, '05 · 12:37 PM16,7851

There is concern among Point Washington residents regarding a new development proposed to go in less than 100 yards from the Cornerstone Church and Cemetery in Historic Point Washington. The development is slated to be built on roughly 4 acres and the developers intend on going for 8 units per acre as well as building up four stories on all buildings. 29 units hugging a cul de sac are proposed. The Oaks At Eden will more than likely have to clear cut all the old growth oaks on the property leaving only 29, 40 foot tall buildings.

Among the concerned citizens are adjacent homeowners who live in one story homes to the north south of the property as well as numerous residents who believe building heights and densities of that intensity are clearly incompatible with historically established development in Historic Point Washington.

Historic Point Washington is one of the oldest settlements in South Walton County. The residents are concerned that developments of this high density will adversely affect property values as well as the long established rural feel of the community.

The reasonable citizens of Historic Point Washington welcome the Oaks At Eden and hope the development will enhance rather than negatively impact the community. Reasonable citizens hope the Developers will consider lowering the heights and densities to mirror the long established patterns of development in the community.

The Board of County Commissioners will review the development proposal on November 8 at the Walton County Court house in DeFuniak Springs at 4:00 p.m. Residents and property owners of Point Washington should attend if they have similar concerns.

Edited Nov 1, '05 · 7:51 AM

Replies

Beach Lover

Dec 13, '05 · 11:12 AM#77

I didn't see The Oaks on the agenda; Pat Blackshear does have an item regarding the Point Washington Historic District mid-way through the meeting.
If you come for that, please also show your support for the request for land for the middle school. The students really need a proper facility, with a library, gym, art and music rooms and other components common to all other schools in Walton County.
Here's a link to Walton County, and the agenda is the top click in the left column:

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?ID=2

SoWal Expert

Dec 13, '05 · 11:29 AM#78

I didn't see The Oaks on the agenda; Pat Blackshear does have an item regarding the Point Washington Historic District mid-way through the meeting.
If you come for that, please also show your support for the request for land for the middle school. The students really need a proper facility, with a library, gym, art and music rooms and other components common to all other schools in Walton County.
Here's a link to Walton County, and the agenda is the top click in the left column:

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?ID=2

I saw your link on the other page, and I visited that site last night, but all I see is:

"BCC Regular Meeting December 13, 2005" -- (no agenda).

EDIT, I did not realize it was a hyper link. Gotcha.

So did Tim pull his Oaks of Eden off the agenda until the issue calms down?
Anyone know? :idontno:

Admin

Dec 13, '05 · 2:26 PM#79

I got this by e-mail:

Dear Concerned Citizens:

The Oaks at Eden developers have promised not to bring their development up for a vote tomorrow, Tuesday, 13 December, so we do not have to show up in numbers for the Commissioners Meeting. We'll let you know when the next meeting is scheduled, and hope you can come.

Thanks everyone,
Randy Harelson

Here's a message sent by Anita Page, Executive Director of the South Walton Community Council:

Oaks at Eden development. Many of our members in the Pt. Washington area had planned to attend the Board of County Commissioner meeting tomorrow regarding the Oaks at Eden development. This is the development in which a high density subdivision was proposed for the historic section of Pt. Washington. Residents have been understandably concerned as the density proposed was significantly more dense than the very low surrounding densities, the building heights are much higher and many large, old-growth trees were slated for destruction.

This case brought the issue of compatibility directly to the forefront.

The developer, residents, SWCC and the county have been involved in trying to negotiate the compatibility issue. Due to the on-going negotiations, please be advised that this development will NOT be heard at the Board of County Commission meeting tomorrow, Dec. 13th at 4:00 p.m. at the South Walton Annex.

We will keep everyone advised on the outcome of this case. We are cautiously optimistic that a more compatible site plan will be developed which will help maintain the character of the neighborhood and ultimately provide a greater financial benefit to the developers.

Beach Fanatic

Dec 13, '05 · 6:24 PM#80

Kurt:

How do I get on the EMail list?

Admin

Dec 13, '05 · 8:47 PM#81

Kurt:

How do I get on the EMail list?

contact rharelson@earthlink.net

Beach Fanatic

Dec 18, '05 · 1:21 PM#82

Even though this has been pulled for now, stay on top of this issue. Keep the pressure on the BCC. Ken Pridgen is one of whom is up for re-election and is actively trying to get the S.Walton Vote. Contact Ken by phone, email or in person to let him know your position on this issue.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 14, '06 · 8:36 AM#83

The hotly debated Oaks of Eden proposed subdivision in Point Washington was tabled again at the Walton Board of County Commission meeting Jan. 10.
The development has been before the BCC several times over past months in an attempt to reconcile Point Washington residents aesthetic concerns. Developers are continuing to meet with residents to discuss a project redesign. Developers want to placate residents? request for compatibility with existing architecture.

The BCC also approved final plats for 13 new projects.
APPROVED

? Harstvedt Plantations ? a 61-lot single-family subdivsion on the western side of North Eden Park Drive

? Le Soliel ? a 10-lot single-family subdivision on the north side of Surf Song Lane

? Frangista Beach third addition - a 72-lot singlefamily subdivision with pool amenity north of Scenic Gulf Drive

? Coastal Dunes ? a 17-unit townhome project with amenities on the south side of Penny Lane

? Santa Rosa Golf Villas ? a 38-lot single-family subdivison on the east side of Thompson Road

? Summer Place ? 14 multi-family townhouse units on the north side of County Road 30A

? Sacred Oaks Subdivision ? an 87-lot single-family subdivision on Mack Bayou Road

? Draper Lake Resort Phase I Vesting ? request to Board of County Commission to establish and/or determine good faith efforts to maintain traffic concurrency as vested trips along CR 30A

? Laurel Woods ? 33 single-family residential lots north of Chat Holley Road

? Spirit and the Bride Ministries ? 9,000-squarefoot worship center along U.S. Highway 90

? Inlet Beach Lot 54 ? Four residential lots on the east side of North Winston Lane

? Caspian Estates ? nine residential lots with pool located at the intersection of south Spooky Lane and CR 30A

? Alligator Point ? 12 residential lots located at the end of CR 393

CONTINUED

? Magnolia Cottages Phase II ? 38-lot singlefamily subdivison

? Oaks at Eden ? 29-lot single-family residential subdivision in Point Washington

? South Haven ? 28 townhouse residential units west of Sugar Drive

SoWal Expert

Jan 14, '06 · 9:09 AM#84

Sacred Oaks Subdivision ? an 87-lot single-family subdivision on Mack Bayou Road

What do you think will be the first thing to be removed at this new project? I will give you a hint -- they are tall and sacred.

Admin

Jan 14, '06 · 9:20 AM#85

Sacred Oaks Subdivision ? an 87-lot single-family subdivision on Mack Bayou Road

What do you think will be the first thing to be removed at this new project? I will give you a hint -- they are tall and sacred.

For anyone opposed to clear cutting trees in SoWal - here's some info.

SoWal Expert

Jan 14, '06 · 9:29 AM#86

At the latest County Comm Mtg, the Commissioners responded to Ms. Page and acknowledged that there are two cases of violations in the recent months, noting that one developer clear-cutted the entire property on Thanksgiving day, when no County Code-Enforcement Officials were working, and most citizens who could be concerned were occupied with other family matters. The question arose as to what should happen. A $1000 fine does not mean anything to a developer who just doubled his number of units. So, at least they addressed the issue, about 3 years too late, but they did address it. Nothing was decided though, and clear-cutting will continue as long as penalties don't amount to anything. I think the penalty for such acts should be something along the lines of that particular parcel of land should should have its maximum density reduced to 1/4 of the stated density, for the remainder of that parcel's life. Selling the property should not change that density.

...but who am I to make the rules?

Speaking of clear-cutting, Prominence looks great doesn't it? :bang:

Admin

Jan 14, '06 · 10:27 AM#87

Yes. They are now prominent.

SoWal Expert

Jan 14, '06 · 10:29 AM#88

Yes. They are now prominent.

Prominently bare.

Meow

Jan 14, '06 · 10:31 AM#89

Yes. They are now prominent.

That is criminal. So, there are no laws against this???? SHAME on all developers (tree killers) who use this method. I think you are dispicable.

Edited Jan 14, '06 · 10:36 AM

SoWal Expert

Jan 14, '06 · 10:50 AM#90

I know some developers who :bang:

often, because they do play by the rules. One example is the property next to the east of Capo's. That property was filled with scrub oak, and according to the Comp Plan, 50% had to remain undisturbed. Personally, I know 3 developers who did not buy that property because the numbers did not work for them, if they followed the rules set in the Comp Plan. However, another developer bought it, clear cut it, and is now building the Abacos. That is frustrating to the people who play by the rules given.

Meow

Jan 14, '06 · 12:20 PM#91

I know some developers who often, because they do play by the rules. One example is the property next to the east of Capo's. That property was filled with scrub oak, and according to the Comp Plan, 50% had to remain undisturbed. Personally, I know 3 developers who did not buy that property because the numbers did not work for them, if they followed the rules set in the Comp Plan. However, another developer bought it, clear cut it, and is now building the Abacos. That is frustrating to the people who play by the rules given.

And there is no penalty handed to this land raper?

SoWal Insider

Jan 14, '06 · 1:49 PM#92

And there is no penalty handed to this land raper?

In the developer's game it is better to ask forgiveness (a piddly fine buried in the numbers as an expense) than to ask permission. When it comes to "real estate development for profit" there are no rules.

SoWal Expert

Jan 14, '06 · 2:34 PM#93

In the developer's game it is better to ask forgiveness (a piddly fine buried in the numbers as an expense) than to ask permission. When it comes to "real estate development for profit" there are no rules.

Correction: In the developer's game it is better to ask forgiveness (a piddly fine buried in the numbers as an expense) than to ask permission, unless you are a person with ethics or concern for the land.

... and FYI, there are rules. :bang:

Because someone is willing to break them doesn't illiminate them. There are murderers living in our world, but we have laws against murder, do we not? Punishment should fit the crime, and however much these developers should gain by clear cutting, that extra amount should be paid up front before any DO is issued. Either that, or the land should be siezed. We just need to kick them where it hurts.

margarita brocolia

Jan 14, '06 · 2:45 PM#94

... and FYI, there are rules. Because someone is willing to break them doesn't illiminate them. There are murderers living in our world, but we have laws against murder, do we not? Punishment should fit the crime, and however much these developers should gain by clear cutting, that extra amount should be paid up front before any DO is issued.[/] Either that, or the land should be siezed. We just need to kick them where it hurts.

Similar problems happens here too, with certain developers. Many would do the right thing even without penalties, but to a few the penalties are just thought of as another cost of doing business. The penalties need to be much tougher to the point of actually deterring these practices. Until then, not much is likely to change.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 28, '06 · 8:19 AM#95

From Walton Sun

After weeks of negotiations between the developer and nearby residents, the controversial Oaks of Eden garnered the approval of the Board of County Commissioners at Tuesday?s BCC meeting.
The original site plan called for 29 lots, homes no more than 42 feet in height and approximately six units per acre on property located on the east side of County Road 395.
Developers met with Point Washington residents and addressed their concerns about the proposed development?s aesthetic incompatibility with the area. Now, 25 lots will sit on 5.5 units per acre at 38 feet for eight lots and no more than 34 feet for 17 lots.
?It?s a substantial decrease,? Dana Matthews, attorney representing the developer, said.
The developers also agreed to make efforts to preserve existing oak trees more than 8 inches in diameter.
?We do have a compromise,? Walton County Planning and Development Director Pat Blackshear said.
?A lot of work went into getting this,? Commissioner Larry Jones said.
Developers and residents are satisfied with the results.
?I don?t think everybody?s totally thrilled, but I don?t think anyone?s disappointed,? Ken Goldberg, a lawyer representing Point Washington residents.
?We all came away mostly happy,? Ty Nunn, a local architect and Point Washington Resident. ?Now, it?s really the challenge of the developer to go forward and do a good job.?
Oaks of Eden is the first of a series of developments that will be part of Point Washington?s historic overlay district.
?We think this is going to set the benchmark for other developments in the area,? Matthews said.