Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Uplands Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public weighs aquarium, green space and development rights as city plans marina uplands charrettes
Summary
Residents urged limiting commercial development on the grassy parkway and proposed an aquarium and public amenities; staff said Dover Kohl charrettes will run about 4½ months starting in December and that Saint Joe's lease includes a right of first use to be respected in uplands planning.
The commission’s uplands discussion shifted attention from slips to what should sit on the land beside the marina. Staff told commissioners that Dover Kohl has been retained to run public charrettes starting in December with an expected planning period of roughly four and a half months to produce community‑informed uplands recommendations.
Public commenters pressed for protected public space. Frank de Pinto asked the commission to "ban commercial construction" from the grassy parkway and T‑dock pier where Fourth‑of‑July events and the 9/11 memorial are staged. Judy Stapleton and other residents urged limited development and warned against high‑density residential on the marshside parcels, saying residents fear private ownership of waterfront green space would reduce access.
At the same time, nonprofit proponents presented a competing vision. John Schmidt of Emerald Forgotten Coast Adventures pitched a nonprofit aquarium and marine science center to serve local students and tourists; he said his group has drafted concept drawings and is seeking land lease support. Schmidt said school districts and philanthropic groups showed early interest and that a nonprofit model could operate with educational programming at low or no cost to schools.
Staff also explained procedural constraints: Saint Joe holds a lease covering part of the marina and a right of first use for certain upland proposals. Under that arrangement the city must present proposed upland uses to Saint Joe, who may accept, propose modifications or decline; only afterward can other partners (including CMP) exercise secondary rights. Commissioners discussed whether term sheet language could mirror Saint Joe's protections and stressed that the public process should define allowable uses and square footage before any binding upland commitments are made.
What’s next: Dover Kohl’s charrettes will be used to develop scenarios for upland uses and community amenities. The commission asked staff to include major stakeholders in the stakeholder outreach and to return with recommendations about how to integrate public input into any partner term sheet.
