Moratorium discussed for land use

[SoWalSally]

From Walton Sun

Walton County may be growing too fast for infrastructure to keep up.
In a letter received last week addressed to the Planning Department, the Department of Community Affairs said Walton County should refrain from making any more land use amendments until the Evaluation and Appraisal Report, which outlines progress in the county’s Comprehensive Plan, has been approved by DCA officials.
The DCA expressed concerned about Walton County’s residential development. With increased urban sprawl, the county does not have the ability to provide urban facilities. “This is a huge roadblock for land use issues in the next six to 18 months,” Blackshear said.
Blackshear believes that the DCA was not referring to small-scale amendments, 10 acres or less.
However, the county could not process any large land use amendments until EAR has been completed, explained Tita Sokolff, long-range planner, said.
Blackshear will discuss the matter further with DCA and return to the board with more information at the BCC’s Feb. 14 meeting at the South Walton Annex.

________________________

At least every 7 years, counties are required by state law to do an
EAR. The purpose of the EAR is for the County to assess how its
Comprehensive plan is working and to amend the Comprehensive Plan
as necessary. The new Comprehensive Plan should incorporate a
vision for the future.
Walton County’s EAR was due in August of 2006. According to the
State, it takes, on the average, 15 to 24 months for counties to do an
EAR and submit it to the State for review. Walton County, however,
has not even gotten started on the evaluation process. At this point,
the County cannot do a comprehensive EAR and make the deadline of
August, 2006. Therefore, the County has received permission from
the State to do a “mini Ear” to be followed by a full EAR at a future
date. The mini EAR will result in proposed additions to or deletions
from our existing Comprehensive Plan. It will not be an exhaustive
revision of the law. Instead, the County will choose certain topics
which it feels need immediate attention and process those issues
through the mini EAR.

[SHELLY]

This is just a big paperwork exercise....in the panhandle only the "Golden Rule" applies: He who has the gold, makes the rules.

In Walton's case that "he" is JOE. What BOSS JOE wants, BOSS JOE gets.

[tailwagger]

This is just a big paperwork exercise....in the panhandle only the "Golden Rule" applies: He who has the gold, makes the rules.

In Walton's case that "he" is JOE. What BOSS JOE wants, BOSS JOE gets.

:roll: The DCA has hleped to make SoWal a better place. If it weren't for them, we would look like more like Destin. The EAR allows for valuable input from the community from all sides, including the SWCC.

[Smiling JOe]

I don't think Shelly's comment above is off base. I happen to agree with at least the first part.

[Camp Creek Kid]

I don't think Shelly's comment above is off base. I agree with it fully.


I disagree. Her statements may be true for other counties such as Bay and Gulf where St. Joe owns hundreds of thousands of acres. In Walton Co., St. Joe owns a miniscule amount compared to those counties and much of that land is already developed. Their need for "favors" in Walton County is minimal, but that also means they will be less inclined to help out the community with land donations, etc., for things like civic buildings.

[Santiago]

I disagree. Her statements may be true for other counties such as Bay and Gulf where St. Joe owns hundreds of thousands of acres. In Walton Co., St. Joe's owns a miniscule amount compared to those counties and much of that land is already developed. Their need for "favors" in Walton County is minimal, but that also means they will be less inclined to help out the community with land donations, etc., for things like civic buildings.
I agree with CCK and Tailwagger. Here's to Shelly flipping a lot one day and chilling out a little bit.

[Beach Runner]

I don't think Shelly's comment above is off base. I agree with it fully.
I agree, too. How the heck do you think they were able to build a beach-front, multi-story development at WaterColor that set a precedent for SoWal (yes, obviously some places like One Seagrove Place were grandfathered in before SoWal became so popular)? And how were they able to narrow 30-A and put in curbing, thus requiring people to drive slowly to navigate through the area (and forcing drivers to check out the real estate)? If there wasn't a person or a car on 30-A, you'd still have to drive slower through WaterColor than, say, Seaside due to the configuration of the road there.

I can't comment about DCA. I dunno about them, so I guess I should do some research on that as an informed property owner.

[tailwagger]

I agree, too. How the heck do you think they were able to build a beach-front, multi-story development at WaterColor that set a precedent for SoWal (yes, obviously some places like One Seagrove Place were grandfathered in before SoWal became so popular)? And how were they able to narrow 30-A and put in curbing, thus requiring people to drive slowly to navigate through the area (and forcing drivers to check out the real estate)? If there wasn't a person or a car on 30-A, you'd still have to drive slower through WaterColor than, say, Seaside due to the configuration of the road there.

I can't comment about DCA. I dunno about them, so I guess I should do some research on that as an informed property owner.

The buildings at WC are the same as anywhere on 30-A. Take a look up and down the beaches and they meet the 50-foot limit just like all the other condos.

The median / separated roadways are an effective and well-used traffic inhibitor. The county and citizens were thrilled that WC was doing something to help the public. You may not like driving slow but they will save a lot of lives. I'm surprised more people don't get plowed over in Seaside and Seagrove, etc.

You should also refrain from posting every chance you get on subjects you know little about.

[Camp Creek Kid]

I agree, too. How the heck do you think they were able to build a beach-front, multi-story development at WaterColor that set a precedent for SoWal (yes, obviously some places like One Seagrove Place were grandfathered in before SoWal became so popular)? And how were they able to narrow 30-A and put in curbing, thus requiring people to drive slowly to navigate through the area (and forcing drivers to check out the real estate)? If there wasn't a person or a car on 30-A, you'd still have to drive slower through WaterColor than, say, Seaside due to the configuration of the road there.

I can't comment about DCA. I dunno about them, so I guess I should do some research on that as an informed property owner.


I assume you are talking about the Inn? When we moved down here in the summer of 2001, there were already many, many 4-story (50 ft.) beach-front buildings on 30-A (not including the 2 high rises) and the Inn at Watercolor was still under construction. I hardly see how it could be called precedent-setting.

[John R]

FWIW, the plans for seaside include moving the street(wether speed mitigation is the reason i do not know) as well as the traffic circle at 395/30a as part of the new hotel plans.


jr

[Mermaid]

FWIW, the plans for seaside include moving the street(wether speed mitigation is the reason i do not know) as well as the traffic circle at 395/30a as part of the new hotel plans.


jr

I'm confused. I thought 395 and 30-A are a "T" stop. How can a traffic circle be made there? That should be interesting. (But if it handles the traffic congestion I'm all for it!)

[John R]

I'm confused. I thought 395 and 30-A are a "T" stop. How can a traffic circle be made there? That should be interesting. (But if it handles the traffic congestion I'm all for it!)

next time you're down here, head into sandor's and have billy mcconnell show you the storyboards.


jr

[Mermaid]

next time you're down here, head into sandor's and have billy mcconnell show you the storyboards.


jr

Thank you, I will--it's within walking distance to our condo, which is why it's of such interest to me.

[SHELLY]

If you don't have something constructive to add, keep your smart ass comments to yourself. :whack:

Tail,

Sometimes my smart-ass comments are more constructive than even I'd imagined...they tend to get some chatter going and folks find out things from each other they never knew before (so I guess you can call them "smart-ass public service comments"?)

I usually don't waste time addressing prosaic comments, but tonight I was feeling a bit generous.

You're welcome.

Shel :biggrin:

[Smiling JOe]

Mermaid, round-abouts work just as well at a threeway stop as a four. I was unaware that one would be installed at 30A/ 395. The only problem I have seen with round-abouts is that people who are not used to them, don't know what to do, and they slow down the flow of traffic.

[beachmouse]

Mermaid, round-abouts work just as well at a threeway stop as a four. I was unaware that one would be installed at 30A/ 395. The only problem I have seen with round-abouts is that people who are not used to them, don't know what to do, and they slow down the flow of traffic.

I can think of at least three different threeway traffic circles in Okaloosa County. And Joe's definitely right about the problem with them being people who don't understand how to drive them, or how to determine who's got the right of way. I'd say only one of those circles works terribly well.

Putting one in an area where most of the traffic comes from tourists that don't really encounter them very often is going to cause a heckava traffic mess.

[Mermaid]

Mermaid, round-abouts work just as well at a threeway stop as a four. I was unaware that one would be installed at 30A/ 395. The only problem I have seen with round-abouts is that people who are not used to them, don't know what to do, and they slow down the flow of traffic.

The suburb north of Indianapolis, Carmel (pronounced CARmel, unlike the California town of the same name ;-) ) has gone absolutely roundabout-crazy. We are not used to roundabouts here in Indiana any more than are the drivers in Florida. However, it's an experiment that's worked. Here's an article:

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=4313335&nav=9Tai

[Smiling JOe]

I have seen them work well, and they can greatly speed up traffic at congested intersections like the 3 way stop at 395/30A if people know how to proceed, yield and signal.

[Beach Runner]

The buildings at WC are the same as anywhere on 30-A. Take a look up and down the beaches and they meet the 50-foot limit just like all the other condos.
Despite your very rude and critical comments to me and others, I'd like to make the following point:

According to the Walton County Scenic Corridors and Vistas Handbook, "The purpose of the Route 30A scenic corridor design standards shall be to preserve and maximize views of the Gulf of Mexico, to enhance the visual characteristics of the roadway corridor, and to eliminate roadside clutter." Despite the fact that WaterColor seems to have met the 4-story/50' rule, the massive breadth of the beachfront resort has done anything but preserve and maximize views of the Gulf of Mexico. WaterColor is a beautiful development, but many of us miss the views along that part of 30-A.

I won't address other related issues because (a) I'd need to do some research (as I said in the email that elicited your comments), and (b) I'd rather not get involved any more than I have in this incendiary discussion.

[tailwagger]

According to the Walton County Scenic Corridors and Vistas Handbook, "The purpose of the Route 30A scenic corridor design standards shall be to preserve and maximize views of the Gulf of Mexico, to enhance the visual characteristics of the roadway corridor, and to eliminate roadside clutter." Despite the fact that WaterColor seems to have met the 4-story/50' rule, the massive breadth of the beachfront resort has done anything but preserve and maximize views of the Gulf of Mexico. WaterColor is a beautiful development, but many of us miss the views along that part of 30-A.


I won't address other related issues because (a) I'd need to do some research (as I said in the email that elicited your comments), and (b) I'd rather not get involved any more than I have in this incendiary discussion.

Handbook? :floor: You're reaching. You were talking about height. And what e-mail are you talking about? :idontno: You're backtracking, Mrs. PHD. :roll:

I agree, too. How the heck do you think they were able to build a beach-front, multi-story development at WaterColor that set a precedent for SoWal (yes, obviously some places like One Seagrove Place were grandfathered in before SoWal became so popular)?

WC didn't set any precedent. Ever heard of Monterey, Villas of Sunset Beach, Sand Cliffs, High Pointe Resort, Mistral, The Legacy, The Palms, Villas Of Santa Rosa, Bella Vita, The Dunes, Walton Dunes, Dunes Of Seagrove, etc., etc., etc. ???

And what does any of what you're talking about have to do with the topic anyway?

[Beach Runner]

Handbook?
http://www.sceniccorridorassociation.com/codebook.pdf

You were talking about height.
Got me on that one. The beachfront properties at WC *seem* so tall because they're so humongous. Again, they don't "preserve and maximize views of the Gulf." BTW I meant post, not email - I was multitasking at the time. Lighten up!

You're backtracking
And you're intentionally rude.

[Miss Kitty]

I am confused....how does one preserve or maximize views of the gulf when building gulf front property of any kind? Seems the only ones getting the view are the owners/renters of that property. :idontno:

[Beach Runner]

I am confused....how does one preserve or maximize views of the gulf when building gulf front property of any kind? Seems the only ones getting the view are the owners/renters of that property. :idontno:
With most beachfront properties I can think of, one can get a glimpse of the Gulf in-between the buildings. That's not possible when driving by WC due to its breadth.

I've clearly lost in this discussion. It's pointless for me to waste any more space on this board on this. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Please don't beat up on me any more.

[John R]

when driving by the corner of 395/30a, one can see the renderings of the hotel viridian, which shows the roundabout. those of you not fortunate enough to be able to drive by can see it here. (http://www.dagarchitects.com/projects/project.aspx?PortfolioItemID=1834388568147348433)


jr

[Mermaid]

when driving by the corner of 395/30a, one can see the renderings of the hotel viridian, which shows the roundabout. those of you not fortunate enough to be able to drive by can see it here. (http://www.dagarchitects.com/projects/project.aspx?PortfolioItemID=1834388568147348433)


jr

Thanks, John, I was having a hard time visualizing it. 30-A isn't very wide there, but it looks like they're going to make ample use of all that now-empty space on the north-west corner.

Talk about moratorium, though. I hope they take their own sweet time getting this project up and running.

[Gypsea]

BR you confuse me as well. Sometimes you post about areas along 30-A where the traffic moves too fast and is therefore dangerous for people to cross to get to the beach and then at places where the traffic slows such as Watercolor and it is safe to cross you are unhappy about it. :idontno:

[SoWalSally]

The Department of Community Affairs found four policies not in compliance in the Walton County comprehensive plan.
According to a Jan. 11 letter addressed to Commission Chairman Scott Brannon, the DCA determined that the future land use element, the coastal zone/conservation, housing element policy and the transportation element policies do not meet Florida Statute requirements.
“We’re aware of the issues and trying to address them,” County Administrator Ronnie Bell said.
According to Paul DiGiusippi, regional planning administrator for DCA, the agency is working with the county to identify problems and recommend solutions.
“My suggestion is to work with the Department of Community Affairs on a settlement agreement that will allow modifications to adopted ordinances and bring them in compliance,” Planning Department Director Pat Blackshear said.
A settlement agreement provides cities and counties the opportunity to resolve “not in compliance amendments,” Blackshear said. However, the Board of County Commissioners must authorize the measure first.
“We want to try to reach a settlement agreement with DCA and make good decisions for the citizens of Walton County,” Bell said.
The Planning Department will make recommendations regarding the comprehensive plan to the Board of County Commissioners at its Feb. 14 meeting at the Walton County Courthouse.