Why be concerned about a commercial establishment. 30A will not stay the same forever. Anyone who thinks that is just dreaming. Think of the town you grew up in...Is it exactly the same today as it was when you lived there?
Would you rather the Atlanta elite just keep building 12,000 sq.ft. homes everywhere? They will eventually build their own little paradise for themselves and eliminate all public beach access. Don't believe that will happen? Just go to Ponte Vedra Beach and try to find a public beach access or parking anywhere. Money can buy a beach.
Yes, you are correct. The holiday season is always the best time to slip under the radar. That is an often exploited trick at multiple levels public, and as an extra benefit if things go south, the holidays minimize the gossip circuit.
I didn't see this posted yet, but here's a petition you can sign if you do not want the Hampton Inn to be on 30A. You can also pass this link onto your friends who are not on SoWal.com:
Will you sign the petition too? Click here to add your name:
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/protect-30a-from-proposed?source=s.fwd&r_by=12027827
The petition says:
That's why I signed a petition to Bill Chapman, District 1 Commissioner, Cecilia Jones, District 2 Commissioner, Bill Imfeld, District 3 Commissioner, Chair, Sara Comande, District 4 Commissioner, Vice Chair, Cindy Meadows, District 5 Commissioner, and Carrie Thiemann, which says:
"William "Bill" Chapman, District 1 Commissioner
9446 Rock Hill Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Office (850) 835-4860
chabill@co.walton.fl.us
Dear Commissioner Meadows,
I am writing with great concern over the proposed Hampton Inn development in Seagrove. I am truly shocked that this project would be considered as it goes against the heart of 30A—it’s non-commercial appeal and preservation of beautifully unique neighborhoods. Introducing a chain hotel would change the face of 30A for its residents, friends and visitors of 30A alike.
30A has set itself apart due to its high values and insight from our Planning Commission and County Commissioners. I know that you very well understand the importance of this as you are a leader with great vision, a champion in neighborhood preservation and were instrumental in designating 30 A as a Florida Scenic Highway.
In closing, I stress that I believe approval of this project would be detrimental to our area. Please do not approve the proposed Hampton Inn development in Seagrove!
Thank you!
"
I just saw that this morning. I didn't scroll to page two of this discussion board when I posted the petition and I only saw the discussion on page 1. So, I guess it was useful to post it again anyway in case anyone else didn't see it. Anyone can send the link to others invested in the beauty, safety, and uniqueness (and avoidance of chains as much as possible) along 30A.
You can't compare Fair Hope to 30A.
If you look at Google earth, the difference between Fair Hope's Hampton Inn and the one proposed in Seagrove is that the former is surrounded by a commercial area and totally compatibile with that area. Not so for the proposed Seagrove Hampton Inn.I agree, Fairhope is a stunningly beautiful city with a vibrant downtown area, parks, tree lined streets and a thriving art community. There is a water front park and a 1400 ft. public pier with a marina and restaurant. The park has a rose garden and fountain, plus picnic tables, pavilion, duck pond, tree trail, and a large sandy beach and parking. There are also bluff top parks along the bay. In 2007, Fairhope was named the second best small town in the south by Southern Living magazine.