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.