Flagler Beach commissioners table Beach Walk 30% design after debate on materials, A‑frame preservation and costs

Designers presented a 30% schematic design for the Flagler Beach Beach Walk — including a new services building at the base of the pier, a south promenade and associated dune and utility work — and the City Commission voted to table formal approval to allow more review on materials, rooflines and branding.

The design team, led by representatives of Moffett Nickel and Joseph Buzulli Architects, described Phase 1 as an expanded services building with enlarged restrooms and improved access and Phase 2 as a new promenade south of that building. City staff said the Flagler County Tourist Development Council grant agreement was executed in January and that the city is working toward deliverables due in October; staff also said the current schematic estimate for Phases 1 and 2 is just under $3 million, about $300,000 higher than prior estimates but still within contingency.

The commission and members of the public raised questions about the proposed materials and scale, especially for the historic A‑frame at the pier. Commissioner Bellheimer and several public commenters urged preserving the A‑frame’s “Old Florida” character and questioned replacing existing roof materials with modern standing‑seam metal. Commissioners and residents also pushed staff to pursue value engineering, to prefer resilient materials for decking (several suggested composite alternatives to timber), and to add clearer public input opportunities on branding, benches and shade structures before moving to the next design milestone.

Designers showed plan details including timber pile foundations for the promenade, precast concrete piles for the services building, enlarged restrooms (three water closets and four urinals in the men’s room; seven water closets in the women’s room plus ADA stalls), a new electrical distribution panel to service the pier and promenade, and options for timber versus composite decking. Staff said they expect to apply for a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) permit because parts of the promenade are waterward of the CCCL and that FDEP’s review will focus on dune health and a 30‑year erosion projection line updated after recent beach nourishment.

Commissioners asked for samples and cost comparisons and sought to avoid design details that would dramatically change the pier’s iconic appearance. After discussion, the commission agreed to delay action so staff and designers could incorporate commissioner and public direction. The commission voted 4‑0 to table consideration of Resolution 2025‑54 approving the 30% design and asked staff to return with revised materials and options at a future meeting.

The schematic schedule presented by staff anticipates a six‑month permitting phase (aiming for permit actions by December), a 60% design start in August if permitting and design decisions progress, completion of construction documents shortly after permits are received, bidding in 2026 and construction with an estimated finish in mid‑2027 if the timeline holds.

Design and permitting remain subject to environmental review by FDEP (including possible dune restoration and a vegetation plan), coordination with the adjacent pier construction, and final decisions on branding elements and service entrance locations.