Town of North Redington Beach

The Town Commission has officially asked the state Department of Community Affairs to approve a change in the town’s Comprehensive Plan to encourage the development of new tourist facilities on the west side of Gulf Boulevard. Action was taken at the regular meeting February 10 following a public hearing.

The amendment would increase the number of tourist units allowed in the Tourist/ Commercial zone from 25 to 50. At the same time, the number of multi-family residential units would be reduced to 15.

Only one person spoke at the public hearing. John Powell, the developer who is proposing new condos on the site of the former Sea Horse Motel spoke against reducing the number of multi-residential units. He noted that in his situation, the project was planned on the basis of building 12 units, and the reduction would cut this to nine, jeopardizing the economic plan on which the project was based.

During discussion, it was noted that if Mr., Powell proceeds on the timetable he outlined, and submits an acceptable site plan before the change takes effect, the town could allow him to build according to his original proposal. For the longer term, however, the reduction in residential units offsets the tourist increases and maintains existing services at acceptable levels.

County planning staff that has been helping the town update its plan is handling the application to the state. It could be 60 days or more before the change takes effect. There will be another public hearing before that happens.

Supporting Legislation

Along with the change noted above, three new ordinances have been drafted to support the development vision that is being outlined in the new Comprehensive Plan. Public hearings will be held March 10 on all three.

One adds condo hotels to the list of tourist accommodations allowed in the zone, and defines what this is. It is basically a structure that operates like a hotel even though individuals own the units. The amount of time an owner can occupy the unit is limited. This ordinance also establishes the new limit on multi-family residences and changes setback requirements. It will be up for first reading and get two public hearings before it can pass.

A second ordinance establishes design standards for all new construction in the Commercial, Tourist Commercial and multi-family zoning districts. The third allows for developer agreements between the town and developers in these areas. These will make it easier for the two parties to agree on design and use issues that serve both their needs. The agreements are recorded with the deed to remain binding on the parties. Both of these will be up for second reading and may be passed following the public hearing.

Commission Vacancy

With Commissioner Bill Queen moving up to Mayor on March 10, the Board will have to appoint someone to fill his unexpired term in Seat 4. The following procedure will direct how this is done.

Anyone who is interested in filling the seat may file an application with the Town Clerk by February 22. The application should include a one-page biography and a statement as to why the applicant wants to serve. On March 1, the commissioners will hold a public workshop at which all applicants can appear to discuss their qualifications and understanding of the job. Commissioners may discuss the relative merits of applicants at that meeting and even reach a consensus. No action will be taken, however, until the next regular meeting of the Commission on March 10.

The new appointee will be sworn in at that time.

Other News

In other action on February 10, the Commission passed housekeeping legislation that will make it easier to change license fees when needed. No existing fees were changed by the action. A new fee was added to accompany applications for site plan review. It is based on the value of the development.

The Commission passed resolutions supporting the findings of a two-year study by the County and Council of Mayors on major countywide issues. And it passed a second resolution supporting the legislative agenda of the Florida League of Cities, especially items relating to the state’s growth management law, which covers local planning.

The town will host the next meeting of the Barrier Islands Governmental Council, Big C, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 23. Gulf Boulevard beautification, including the undergrounding of utility lines, will be on the agenda.