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Residents press Cocoa council on stalled zoning decision, subdivision impacts and dinghy landing plan
Summary
Multiple public commenters raised neighborhood concerns: George L. Brown Jr. urged action to resolve a long-running zoning/future‑land‑use conflict on his property; Anita Gibson asked about traffic, school and emergency access related to the Diamond Square subdivision; and Brad Whitmore proposed a low‑cost interim dinghy landing in Cocoa Village to boost waterfront access.
Several residents used the public‑comment period at the March 10 Cocoa City Council meeting to press the council and staff on local development and waterfront access.
George L. Brown Jr. told council he has waited more than a year for clarity on what he can do with his property and said the delay has caused financial and personal hardship. His broker, Dylan Hansen, and City Manager Whitten explained staff previously issued letters outlining that the property's zoning and future land‑use designation are inconsistent and that resolving the conflict requires planning‑and‑zoning and possible ordinance or comprehensive‑plan changes; staff emphasized that cannot be resolved by a single letter to the owner.
Lieutenant Paul Camus—speaking from trustee‑training takeaways—urged the council to defend property tax revenues after hearing that the Florida League of Cities supports keeping property tax to fund local services, noting parks and libraries could be affected by any change at the state level.
Anita Gibson, a Diamond Square resident, asked for an update on a 37‑plus household subdivision and expressed concerns about Stone Street traffic, ambulance and emergency access, school capacity, and whether security and access plans are in place; she said she will meet with the police chief to discuss safety.
Brad Whitmore of Historic Cocoa Village Main Street proposed a temporary but durable dinghy landing along the existing seawall near Lee Winter Park: he suggested attaching marine‑grade 2x4s vertically at five‑foot intervals using lag bolts and anchors, describing the materials cost as about $200 plus installation. Council members discussed Coast Guard requirements, environmental issues (oysters and wave action), CRA funding possibilities and the city's $3 million allocation for day slips; staff noted procurement and permitting constraints.
No formal actions were taken on these public comments; councillors and staff said they would follow up with involved residents and return with additional information as needed.
