Not that it really matters, but Van Ness and Albert are cousins. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
To Concerned Citizens of Historic Point Washington
- Thread starter Dave Rauschkolb
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Just had a call from Cindy Meadows, who reported on the meeting. Sounds like it went very well and that Van Ness Butler did a great job. The historic overlay is wonderful and the timing extremely effective. When the County does this overlay, there should be a professional historic architect who can establish design criteria that serves as a performance standard that all developers must meet when properties are developed in the area. These design criteria are typically based on two things (or more): (1) The factors that charcterize the area as being historic and special, or other resources that contribute to same; and (2) The extent to which new development is compatible with existing historic resources and building charcter, yet clearly has not been an attempt to actually emulate the historic resource(s). Design standards for the protection of historic resources are usually very stringent. For example, the overlay could require that all new development must be evaluated by a recognized historic architect to determine whether it is compatible with the historic context of the area. The citizens group should request this of the planning department. Would be great if you can find some samples of historic overlay ordinances that work well in other areas. I would be willing to write a letter on this and even provide some sample ordinances, if you think it will help. Otherwise, I will remain a concerned observer.
FYI, two of the Commissioners are up for re-election soon...many letters should be written to them, lots of pressure brought to bear relative to this issue. Keep up the good fight! Wish I could have been there.
FYI, two of the Commissioners are up for re-election soon...many letters should be written to them, lots of pressure brought to bear relative to this issue. Keep up the good fight! Wish I could have been there.
More great info Donna and a perfect reckoning of the meeting SmilingJoe and Kurt! Thanks you guys!!
It looks like things are progressing well for THPWA!! HOORAAHH!!!
It looks like things are progressing well for THPWA!! HOORAAHH!!!
The wrangling between residents of Point Washington and developers of the Oaks at Eden continued at the Nov. 22 meeting of the Walton Board of County Commissioners.
The residents say the overall height and density of the Oakds will upset the natural character of Point Washington. The BCC decided to continue the project to its Dec. 13 meeting to see if some of the issues can be resolved.
Developers eliminated two of the 29 proposed lots to bring the subdivision?s density down to 5.9 units per acre from 6.4. The density adjacent to the Oaks is 3.8 units per acre, Point Washington resident architect Ty Nunn said.
?The only thing that comes close to the Oaks density is the Point Washington cemetery,? Van Ness Butler Sr. said at the BCC meeting.
At a Nov. 17 meeting between the developer and residents, the developer made some concessions. They agreed to increase buffering to adjacent lots, reduce the height of two homes at the entrance to the subdivision to 32 feet and to install a privacy fence at the north and south borders of the property.
Developers want a maximum height of 38 feet, but residents feel that would be out of place in Point Washington, which is mostly one or one and a halfstory homes. Residents want the height capped at 32 feet.
The residents say the overall height and density of the Oakds will upset the natural character of Point Washington. The BCC decided to continue the project to its Dec. 13 meeting to see if some of the issues can be resolved.
Developers eliminated two of the 29 proposed lots to bring the subdivision?s density down to 5.9 units per acre from 6.4. The density adjacent to the Oaks is 3.8 units per acre, Point Washington resident architect Ty Nunn said.
?The only thing that comes close to the Oaks density is the Point Washington cemetery,? Van Ness Butler Sr. said at the BCC meeting.
At a Nov. 17 meeting between the developer and residents, the developer made some concessions. They agreed to increase buffering to adjacent lots, reduce the height of two homes at the entrance to the subdivision to 32 feet and to install a privacy fence at the north and south borders of the property.
Developers want a maximum height of 38 feet, but residents feel that would be out of place in Point Washington, which is mostly one or one and a halfstory homes. Residents want the height capped at 32 feet.
The Walton Board of County Commissioners proposed giving Point Washington an historic overlay district to help preserve its character.
If approved, future development in Point Washington will come under tighter scrutiny.
?It imposes additional regulations on what type of development can go in there,? said Greg Scoville, process systems manager for the Walton County Planning Department.
The Planning Department is currently generating a map to define the boundaries of the district and will put it before the BCC at its Dec. 13 meeting for approval.
If it is approved, Scoville said a survey will be taken to see what structures in the district can be classified as historical and what type of developments would be compatible with Point Washington.
Currently, the Planning Department doesn?t have an historical overlay district in the Land Development Code. Scoville said the LDC will have to be amended. The Planning Department will look to surrounding counties to model the wording for the amendment.
?The idea is to preserve as much of the character of the area,? Scoville said. ?The district will look at development to see how it is compatible to the area or if the development will harm historical structures.?
Residents are fighting the developers of the Oaks at Eden. The overall height of the subdivision has residents worried. The Oaks will have homes at a maximum height of 38 feet. Residents of Point Washington feel the development would be out of place in a community where most of the homes are half that height.
The density also is a concern. Van Ness Butler, former Walton County Commissioner and a long time resident of Point Washington, has been quoted as saying the Point Washington Cemetery is the only thing compatible with the proposed density of the Oaks.
Benefits of Historic District Designation
Two historic districts were established in Tampa, Seminole Heights Historic District and Hampton Terrace Historic District. Below are some of the benefits associated with those two districts according to http://www.oldseminoleheights.com/historic.htm.
? Preserves and enhances neighborhood character
? Protects property investments and values
? Promotes restoration and revitalization
? Encourages pride of ownership
? Attracts homeowners who appreciate historic properties
? Encourages compatible infill construction
? Discourages demolition of historic properties
? Increases neighborhood visibility with city officials
? Property tax credits and abatements available for certain restoration projects
? Promotes and preserves our cultural and architectural heritage
? Preserves and protects an important piece of Tampa?s history
? Provides a unique sense of community
? Positions neighborhood to receive foundation grants
? Promotes awareness of neighborhood values
? Provides guidelines for compatible new construction
? Improves the quality of the neighborhood
If approved, future development in Point Washington will come under tighter scrutiny.
?It imposes additional regulations on what type of development can go in there,? said Greg Scoville, process systems manager for the Walton County Planning Department.
The Planning Department is currently generating a map to define the boundaries of the district and will put it before the BCC at its Dec. 13 meeting for approval.
If it is approved, Scoville said a survey will be taken to see what structures in the district can be classified as historical and what type of developments would be compatible with Point Washington.
Currently, the Planning Department doesn?t have an historical overlay district in the Land Development Code. Scoville said the LDC will have to be amended. The Planning Department will look to surrounding counties to model the wording for the amendment.
?The idea is to preserve as much of the character of the area,? Scoville said. ?The district will look at development to see how it is compatible to the area or if the development will harm historical structures.?
Residents are fighting the developers of the Oaks at Eden. The overall height of the subdivision has residents worried. The Oaks will have homes at a maximum height of 38 feet. Residents of Point Washington feel the development would be out of place in a community where most of the homes are half that height.
The density also is a concern. Van Ness Butler, former Walton County Commissioner and a long time resident of Point Washington, has been quoted as saying the Point Washington Cemetery is the only thing compatible with the proposed density of the Oaks.
Benefits of Historic District Designation
Two historic districts were established in Tampa, Seminole Heights Historic District and Hampton Terrace Historic District. Below are some of the benefits associated with those two districts according to http://www.oldseminoleheights.com/historic.htm.
? Preserves and enhances neighborhood character
? Protects property investments and values
? Promotes restoration and revitalization
? Encourages pride of ownership
? Attracts homeowners who appreciate historic properties
? Encourages compatible infill construction
? Discourages demolition of historic properties
? Increases neighborhood visibility with city officials
? Property tax credits and abatements available for certain restoration projects
? Promotes and preserves our cultural and architectural heritage
? Preserves and protects an important piece of Tampa?s history
? Provides a unique sense of community
? Positions neighborhood to receive foundation grants
? Promotes awareness of neighborhood values
? Provides guidelines for compatible new construction
? Improves the quality of the neighborhood
Someone told me that the Oaks at Eden was scratched from today's CC meeting. Anyone know? I may go find out for myself in a minute, but thought I would check here first.
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
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
sunshine said:
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?
I got this by e-mail:
