Brunswick commission defers decision on marina height waiver after hours of public comment

The Brunswick City Commission voted on Nov. 5 to defer consideration of a height-waiver request for a proposed dry-stack boat storage facility at Brunswick Landing Marina until its Dec. 3 meeting after extensive public comment from residents, property owners and business leaders.

The commission’s deferral motion was introduced by Commissioner Atkinson Williams and carried by voice vote; the commission said it would use the additional time to provide a public-comment window and allow staff and the applicant to address procedural and notification concerns.

Supporters, including Mary Helen Vicenka, told the commission the marina development could spur waterfront investment and bring more tourists and boaters into downtown Brunswick. “I am very much in favor of the commission approving the request for the waiver of the height limit, so that the dry docks can move forward,” Vicenka said.

Other backers argued the city needs more secure dry storage space and that such facilities help protect boats and support local businesses. “There is really a demand for dry storage and safe storage for boats in this area,” said Paige Edwards, who identified herself as a mainland planning commission member, arguing the change would support workforce housing and downtown commerce.

Opponents urged the commission to deny the waiver or require more scrutiny. Elijah Chancey, a property owner immediately adjacent to the marina, said the proposed 65-foot stacks are incompatible with the mixed-use character of the waterfront and raised concerns about noise, lighting, stormwater pollution, fuel and paint runoff, and hurricane risk for stacked boats. “We should deny the height waiver,” he said.

Nearby business and property owners said they received little or late notice of the hearing. Barger, who said he developed Riverfront Plaza, told the commission he learned about the agenda item through word of mouth and urged the commission to allow more time for neighbors to review the plans. Several commenters asked for a clearer, criteria-based process for height waivers and for the city to clarify who owns the land and who would be liable in the event of storm-related damage.

The developer and supporters (identified in the record as Torres Properties and Brunswick Landing Marina Inc.) have argued the waiver would allow dry-stack storage that meets demand, improves security for boats, and brings economic benefits to the city. Several supporters asked that the commission consider the waiver as a step in broader waterfront improvements that could include public access such as a boardwalk.

The commission’s deferral preserves an opportunity for both proponents and opponents to provide additional materials and for staff to prepare responses about notice, liability, and technical issues such as measurement points for building height, fire suppression and buffer zones. The commission said public comment on the item at the Dec. 3 meeting will be allowed for those present, with time limits of roughly 2–4 minutes per speaker.

What’s next: The item returns Dec. 3 for further consideration; the commission directed staff to coordinate public-notice steps and to make permit notices and application materials available to interested property owners before that meeting.