To Concerned Citizens of Historic Point Washington

[Miss Kitty]

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?

 

[SHELLY]

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.

 

[Smiling JOe]

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. 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.

 

[Rita]

... 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.

 

[SoWalSally]

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.