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Abby Prentiss

Beach Fanatic
May 17, 2007
577
123
Walton County commissioners have taken a first look at a set of proposals that could reshape the economic potential of the U.S. Highway 331 corridor.

At a Nov. 24 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of proposed amendments to the county's land development code aimed at fast-tracking industrial, commercial and mixed-use development along parts of the corridor, in line with an approved corridor development plan....

... Among the proposed scenic overlay restrictions are limitations on the types of businesses that can be operated along the corridors. The amendments would prohibit development of, among other things, water parks, go-cart tracks, miniature golf courses and other amusement facilities. ...

...Broadly, the design-related amendments would require that "(b)uilding architecture shall reflect high-quality standards of construction and design."

Among the design restrictions contemplated for the proposed scenic overlay districts are limitations on the types of building materials that can be used along the affected sections of the two routes, the paint colors that can be used and the styles of roofs allowed.

The other proposed amendments, aimed at fast-tracking commercial, industrial and mixed-use development including various types of residential development, would apply across two sections of the U.S. 331 corridor dubbed "activity centers" by the county.

Walton, Florida officials could fast-track development along U.S. 331
 

Jim Tucker

Beach Fanatic
Jul 12, 2005
1,189
497
We have a limited window of opportunity to shape our future from the beach to our quaint northern city. Development will explode along the corridor and it we don't want it to be like every other commercial area in America with parking lot after parking lot now is the time to act. Very sensible spacing and scenic guidelines will make the highway and the county MORE attractive and every person and business benefits, and taxes collected are bigger.

I would also like to see serious lighting guidelines so we don't ruin our night sky. Require landscape buffers along the corridor and parking lots in the rear of businesses.

Now would be a good time to hire professional planners from outside the area who aren't tied to local business and politicians. People with a track record of success in planning beautiful and successful communities.
 
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