If you live on or care about any Scenic Corridor in South Walton County, you need to be concerned about the proposed comp plan/land use changes that will be heard tomorrow (Wed., Aug. 25th) at the Planning Commission meeting.
Sowal Scenic Corridors: all of Hwy. 30A, all of the roads connecting Hwy. 98 to Hwy 30A (395, 283, 83, 393), the road leading into Grayton from 30A (DeFuniak St.), the road leading into Blue Mountain Beach from 30A, the road going to Point Washington from 98 (395 North).
As the proposed language stands, ANY piece of property abutting ANY intersection on a Scenic Corridor will have the opportunity to apply to convert to a new category called "Neighborhood Commercial," which allows commercial uses as intense as restaurants and 25-room hotels. Without this new proposed language, such a conversion would not be an option for any property in the Residential Preservation category.
Changes will be granted on a "case by case" basis.
Furthermore, outdoor music ?may be allowed? in this Neighborhood Commercial designation.
This proposed change is far-reaching and will have major implications on future development of South Walton.
Think about it - every single intersection along 30A, every intersection in Grayton Beach on DeFuniak Street, and every intersection on Hwy. 395 North will now have the possibility of being converted to "neighborhood commercial."
This certainly isn't neighborhood friendly and will do nothing but introduce new conflicts between neighbors and instability in our historic and existing residential neighborhoods.
If you are concerned about these potential changes, you should attend the meeting tomorrow at the Courthouse Annex at 5 p.m. If you would like to read my letter to the planning commission, please pm me and I will be happy to forward it to you.
Replies
79
Beach Fanatic
Tonight, August 30th, at 5:00 p.m. at the South County Annex on 331: The Board of County Commissioners will consider the proposed new Neighborhood Commercial changes to the Comprehensive Plan.
As the person who began this thread, I wanted to share my specific concerns with the folks on the Board.
.
I agree. This stuff is way to restrictive. No wonder you can not get people to invest in Walton County. Everyone is trying to tell you what you can do with your land.
Beach Fanatic
wrobert, are you saying that you don't care if a nuclear power plant goes in on your adjacent neighbor's property?
Beach Fanatic
The county commissioners heard from a lot of citizens about the proposed county-sponsored large-scale amendments and about the Neighborhood Commercial land use classification. The commissioners agreed at the meeting on Monday that changes to NC are needed. The planning department is going to be holding meetings with interested parties to look at options for revising NC. There was a sign-up sheet for this at the meeting. The commissioners will be holding the second public hearing on the amendments in conjunction with the 4 p.m. Sept. 28 county commission meeting in DeFuniak. The hearing on the amendments is set for 5 p.m.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Community Input sought for re-draft
There will be more discussion about the what Neighborhood Commercial should be and where it should be located. If you are interested in this issue, please plan to attend the meeting next Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. to help the planning staff draft the new language.
Here is the notice I received today by email:
There will be a meeting for those that are interested in changes to the proposed language in the "Neighborhood Commercial" Future Land Use Category.
Date: September 7, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: South Walton Annex on U.S. Hwy 331 in Santa Rosa Beach
We welcome your ideas and participation,
Gerry A. Demers, CBO
Director
Planning and Development Division
Walton County, Florida
Phone: (850) 267-1955
FAX: (850) 622-9133
Email: demgerry@co.walton.fl.us
There will be more discussion about the what Neighborhood Commercial should be and where it should be located. If you are interested in this issue, please plan to attend the meeting next Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. to help the planning staff draft the new language.
Here is the notice I received today by email:
There will be a meeting for those that are interested in changes to the proposed language in the "Neighborhood Commercial" Future Land Use Category.
Date: September 7, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: South Walton Annex on U.S. Hwy 331 in Santa Rosa Beach
We welcome your ideas and participation,
Gerry A. Demers, CBO
Director
Planning and Development Division
Walton County, Florida
Phone: (850) 267-1955
FAX: (850) 622-9133
Email: demgerry@co.walton.fl.us
Beach Fanatic
wrobert, are you saying that you don't care if a nuclear power plant goes in on your adjacent neighbor's property?
Did I miss something in that stuff that allowed nuclear power plants? Would I get cheaper electricity?
Beach Fanatic
I agree. This stuff is way to restrictive. No wonder you can not get people to invest in Walton County. Everyone is trying to tell you what you can do with your land.
Drive down 30-a and count the number of vacant commercial properties for lease; look online and count commercial properties up for sale; or check out commercial properties in foreclosure. Redfish Village and Uptown Grayton come to mind as commercial properties that have struggled to attract and rarely hold on to tenants long-term.
Then tell me we need zoning that allows more commercial properties to be built at present. As it stands, it will probably take closer to 5-8 years to fill up the existing vacant commercial space or build out the lots that already got approval for commercial zoning along 30-a.
Some of what Walton County has already zoned commercial is just dumb. The first postage-stamp sized lot as you enter the Ventana Dunes neighborhood is zoned commercial, thankfully not built on yet. Heaven help the owner of the cute little residential cottage next door if they ever attempt putting a commercial building on that site.
Beach Fanatic
There will be more discussion about the what Neighborhood Commercial should be and where it should be located. If you are interested in this issue, please plan to attend the meeting next Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. to help the planning staff draft the new language.I also received notification of the meeting as I signed up on Monday. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend on the 7th due to another commitment. I did forward my concerns to Mr. Demers and ask that they be shared with those attending. Basically, I agree with what Grayton Girl has had to say but I went one step further. I think the NC classification needs to be totally reworked or abolished and a new classification written.
Here is the notice I received today by email:
There will be a meeting for those that are interested in changes to the proposed language in the "Neighborhood Commercial" Future Land Use Category.
Date: September 7, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: South Walton Annex on U.S. Hwy 331 in Santa Rosa Beach
We welcome your ideas and participation,
Gerry A. Demers, CBO
Director
Planning and Development Division
Walton County, Florida
Phone: (850) 267-1955
FAX: (850) 622-9133
Email: demgerry@co.walton.fl.us
Beach Fanatic
Drive down 30-a and count the number of vacant commercial properties for lease; look online and count commercial properties up for sale; or check out commercial properties in foreclosure. Redfish Village and Uptown Grayton come to mind as commercial properties that have struggled to attract and rarely hold on to tenants long-term.As of now, we only have a vague land use code full of loopholes and subject to many interpretations. We need a zoning code with several well defined classifications that are strict in their nature and where they will be appropriate for use. Regardless of what some feel should be their land usage rights, you cannot have well defined development and growth without proper, inforced zoning. What you end up with is a hodge podge of commercial, residential and service construction that nobody is happy with and doesn't attract the kind of growth everyone desires. Zoning fits into a well developed comprehensive plan quite nicely and sensible landowners are pleased with the results.
Then tell me we need zoning that allows more commercial properties to be built at present. As it stands, it will probably take closer to 5-8 years to fill up the existing vacant commercial space or build out the lots that already got approval for commercial zoning along 30-a.
Some of what Walton County has already zoned commercial is just dumb. The first postage-stamp sized lot as you enter the Ventana Dunes neighborhood is zoned commercial, thankfully not built on yet. Heaven help the owner of the cute little residential cottage next door if they ever attempt putting a commercial building on that site.
Beach Fanatic
Did I miss something in that stuff that allowed nuclear power plants? Would I get cheaper electricity?
Yes, you are missing something. You are missing the fact that your neighboring properties can affect you. It isn't as clear as you say about allowing anyone to do anything on property deeded to them.
SoWal Expert
Drive down 30-a and count the number of vacant commercial properties for lease; look online and count commercial properties up for sale; or check out commercial properties in foreclosure. Redfish Village and Uptown Grayton come to mind as commercial properties that have struggled to attract and rarely hold on to tenants long-term.
Then tell me we need zoning that allows more commercial properties to be built at present. As it stands, it will probably take closer to 5-8 years to fill up the existing vacant commercial space or build out the lots that already got approval for commercial zoning along 30-a.
Some of what Walton County has already zoned commercial is just dumb. The first postage-stamp sized lot as you enter the Ventana Dunes neighborhood is zoned commercial, thankfully not built on yet. Heaven help the owner of the cute little residential cottage next door if they ever attempt putting a commercial building on that site.
Definitely agree we have more commercial and zoned commercial than we need and some actual common sense should be used in the designations.
However, I was told that all of the current zoning issues and signs are because the planning department is YEARS behind schedule.
Perhaps we should streamline that process/department?
Beach Lover
Definitely agree we have more commercial and zoned commercial than we need and some actual common sense should be used in the designations.
However, I was told that all of the current zoning issues and signs are because the planning department is YEARS behind schedule.
Perhaps we should streamline that process/department?
Not sure if that is true...personally I think if anything, if indeed they are behind, which I doubt, they are doing a really poor job of trying to catch up. I have attended three meetings where the Planning Dept. Staff is available for questions...they don't seem organized, they speak and relay misinformation, and the Planning Commission is no better. They are trying to come up with a one plan for all of Walton...different areas need different approaches. 30 A will soon be a Panama City Back Beach Road ...no one will even want to travel it...Scenic? Don't think so!
beats on hood
Drive down 30-a and count the number of vacant commercial properties for lease; look online and count commercial properties up for sale; or check out commercial properties in foreclosure. Redfish Village and Uptown Grayton come to mind as commercial properties that have struggled to attract and rarely hold on to tenants long-term.What an excellent point! Bravo!
Then tell me we need zoning that allows more commercial properties to be built at present. As it stands, it will probably take closer to 5-8 years to fill up the existing vacant commercial space or build out the lots that already got approval for commercial zoning along 30-a.
Some of what Walton County has already zoned commercial is just dumb. The first postage-stamp sized lot as you enter the Ventana Dunes neighborhood is zoned commercial, thankfully not built on yet. Heaven help the owner of the cute little residential cottage next door if they ever attempt putting a commercial building on that site.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, you are missing something. You are missing the fact that your neighboring properties can affect you. It isn't as clear as you say about allowing anyone to do anything on property deeded to them.
So are you saying that the new regs do allow nuclear power plants?
Beach Fanatic
Definitely agree we have more commercial and zoned commercial than we need and some actual common sense should be used in the designations.
However, I was told that all of the current zoning issues and signs are because the planning department is YEARS behind schedule.
Perhaps we should streamline that process/department?
Would that not be an accomplishment. I have seen many try, but all they ever seem to do is replace staff when by now it should be obvious it is the process itself that is failed.
Beach Fanatic
Drive down 30-a and count the number of vacant commercial properties for lease; look online and count commercial properties up for sale; or check out commercial properties in foreclosure. Redfish Village and Uptown Grayton come to mind as commercial properties that have struggled to attract and rarely hold on to tenants long-term.
Then tell me we need zoning that allows more commercial properties to be built at present. As it stands, it will probably take closer to 5-8 years to fill up the existing vacant commercial space or build out the lots that already got approval for commercial zoning along 30-a.
Some of what Walton County has already zoned commercial is just dumb. The first postage-stamp sized lot as you enter the Ventana Dunes neighborhood is zoned commercial, thankfully not built on yet. Heaven help the owner of the cute little residential cottage next door if they ever attempt putting a commercial building on that site.
How is this possible when we do not have zoning in this county?
Beach Fanatic
One thing that is clear to me now after reading this thread is I know which posters I would and would not want as neighbors. ;-)
beats on hood
Big D will be at the meeting. Enough said.
Beach Fanatic
Definitely agree we have more commercial and zoned commercial than we need and some actual common sense should be used in the designations.
However, I was told that all of the current zoning issues and signs are because the planning department is YEARS behind schedule.
Perhaps we should streamline that process/department?
Agree and in the meantime, perhaps we should stop EVERYTHING until they get caught up!
Beach Fanatic
Agree and in the meantime, perhaps we should stop EVERYTHING until they get caught up!
Regulations should not be built upon need. Let the market work on the prices of all those places on 30-A and you will see them fill up. Just takes time. But that should not prevent someone else from building something. Sheesh! That logic is the same as telling me if I own an empty lot I can build a house cause there are already plenty of empty ones for sale.
SoWal Expert
No, what she said was that since there is not a present need/demand for NEW commercial perhaps we could focus their apparently limited time on getting their backlog cleared....................then deal with the issue.
Beach Fanatic
No, what she said was that since there is not a present need/demand for NEW commercial perhaps we could focus their apparently limited time on getting their backlog cleared....................then deal with the issue.
It is not the role of government to decide if there is a need or demand. That appears to be something that the Obamacrats want to do, but not a function of government.
Beach Lover
It is not the role of government to decide if there is a need or demand. That appears to be something that the Obamacrats want to do, but not a function of government.
Obama is to blame for land use changes in Walton County???? Good Lord! Thought he had more to worry about . . .what with the Middle East crises, Afganistan, the jobless rate, the failing economy, the deficit. . . now he's regulating land use in Walton County? My! My! My!
SoWal Expert
Obama is to blame for land use changes in Walton County???? Good Lord! Thought he had more to worry about . . .what with the Middle East crises, Afganistan, the jobless rate, the failing economy, the deficit. . . now he's regulating land use in Walton County? My! My! My!
Obama is to blame for everything! Because everything was SO perfect before he took office- both nationally and right here in Walton County!Crack me up.
Beach Fanatic
Obama is to blame for land use changes in Walton County???? Good Lord! Thought he had more to worry about . . .what with the Middle East crises, Afganistan, the jobless rate, the failing economy, the deficit. . . now he's regulating land use in Walton County? My! My! My!
It all started when he abandoned us for Bay County. But even his actions agree. He went their for the beautiful high rises, drive thru eating venues, and stuff to do.
Beach Fanatic
Rumor has it we should be seeing McDonald's or Burger King soon- I think it is in Blue Mountain Beach. Er maybe it was Seagrove. No, my memory fails me- it was Burger King and it will be in Seacrest.
haha- I kid.
Even though I don't understand the proposed changes enough to form an opinion- I believe we need to be extremely careful whatever changes are implemented!!!!!!
haha- I kid.
Even though I don't understand the proposed changes enough to form an opinion- I believe we need to be extremely careful whatever changes are implemented!!!!!!
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.