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Commission backs conceptual PD modification for Bluewater Bay after canal access ruling removes bridge benefit
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conceptual PD modification for Bluewater Bay, accepting removal of a previously proposed bridge public benefit after a court determination changed ownership of a canal and denied bridge access; staff flagged required intersection and pedestrian improvements and the applicant clarified emergency access arrangements to Treasure Coast Elementary.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 11 to recommend approval of a conceptual modification to the Bluewater Bay planned development that removes a previously promised bridge over the Lateral D canal after a legal ruling altered access rights.
Brandon, county planning staff, told the commission a recent lawsuit changed ownership of a segment of the Lateral D canal and the current landowner will not allow the bridge crossing to be built. That change prevents the applicant from delivering the bridge as a public benefit. Brandon asked the commission whether it would accept removing the bridge from the benefit list and accept the substitute public benefits the applicant is proposing.
Commissioners discussed the effects of the change on connectivity and school access. Brandon and Ryan Sweeney said the conceptual modification includes two full driveway connections to County Road 510 (soon to be State Road 510), planned intersection and signal improvements at CR‑510/86th and a pedestrian connection toward Treasure Coast Elementary School. Brandon described outstanding improvements including an eastbound left and westbound right turn lane at 86th and cost participation for intersection upgrades.
When asked who denied bridge access, staff identified the Corrigan family as the landowner who successfully asserted rights to the canal segment and is not permitting a bridge. That legal constraint, staff said, is the reason the bridge will be removed as a deliverable public benefit.
Anna Saunders of BSC Consultants, speaking for the applicant, clarified that a secondary access near the school would be emergency and pedestrian access only and would be gated with emergency access controls (Knox Box or similar) required by fire officials. “That secondary access at the school is an emergency access and pedestrian access only for us,” Saunders said.
After discussion, the commission moved and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed conceptual PD changes to the Board of County Commissioners. The item will return to the Board for final action.
