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
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.
Specifically the goofy golf!;-)
beats on hood
Any comments on the 9/7 meeting?
Beach Comber
But MamaBear, Blackshear's was not politically correctand did not suit a certain Grayton Beach Beach attorney
Beach Fanatic
Any comments on the 9/7 meeting?
25 room hotel use was changed to B&B not to exceed 10 rooms.
Here's the reworded location criteria. Note the addition of paved street and designation of major roads south of 30A.
"Location criteria: The intersection of arterial/collector, collector/collector, and collector/local ****paved street.**** However, in areas south of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway, NC designations shall be limited to those intersection areas described above that are within the designated Scenic Corridors. *****For purposes of this policy, County Road 83 and County Road 283, south of County Road 30A, shall not be considered as designated Scenic Corridors.**** This limitation shall not prevent the designation of an existing neighborhood development as NC if such development was lawfully in operation prior to the date of adoption of this amendment, is an ongoing business, or for properties designated Residential Preservation on the adopted Future Land Use Map that were designated on a plat or in covenants and restrictions for non-residential use. However, such designation must meet the compatibility requirements contained herein."
Here's the reworded info regarding music. Basically no music allowed unless specifically approved by the BCC.
"Outdoor storage, outdoor broadcasting or music, display of goods, or outdoor seating for caf?s and restaurants is prohibited, unless specifically approved as part of the development order review process by the Board of County Commissioners on a case-by-case determination of its impact on the abutting neighborhood and where it does not conflict with the Scenic Corridor Guidelines."
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.