Atlantic Beach council approves rezoning of multiple oceanfront lots to residential in 3-1 vote

Atlantic Beach — The Town Council on April 7 approved the second reading of Ordinance 3-2025, rezoning multiple oceanfront parcels from Waterfront (commercial) to Residential 2 by a 3-1 roll-call vote.

Mayor Pro Tem John David and Councilwoman Carla Taylor said the change is intended to align municipal zoning with longstanding deed restrictions and make it easier for owners to rebuild or develop residential dwellings on the oceanfront. Taylor said Hurricane Hugo in 1989 had a lasting effect on oceanfront structures: "Hurricane Hugo came in 1989 and took out most of the structures that were located on the oceanfront," she said during the hearing, arguing residential zoning would support recovery and incremental growth.

The proposal drew several written letters and public comments. Resident Lynda Booker, who gave her address as 304 29th Avenue South, praised the deed restrictions placed by town founder George Tyson and said they helped preserve access for African American families: "When Mr. Tyson purchased that land he blessed us," Booker told the council. Supporters including several homeowners cited historic-district status and warned that current commercial zoning could prevent owners from replacing historic homes.

Councilwoman Jacqueline Gore opposed the rezoning. Gore questioned some historical assertions about storm damage and warned that converting commercial waterfront parcels could change how the public accesses the beach and local businesses operate. A written objection read into the record from Brian Taylor said there had been "no financial feasibility study" to assess the rezoning's long-term economic effect on Waterfront District 2.

Council action and next steps Carla Taylor moved to approve the second reading of Ordinance 3-2025; Mayor Pro Tem John David seconded. Roll call votes were Councilman Edward Campbell — yea; Councilwoman Carla Taylor — yea; Councilwoman Jacqueline Gore — nay; Mayor Pro Tem John David — yes. The ordinance was approved on second reading.

The council and staff said additional work on the Comprehensive Plan and Land Management Ordinance will continue; proponents and opponents were advised those broader planning efforts will provide further opportunity for public input and technical review.

Authorities and documentation The body discussed alignment of the town’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Management Ordinance with deed restrictions; letters from property owners were read into the public record during the hearing. The transcript includes resident statements and multiple written submissions for and against the rezoning. The council closed the public hearing before the vote.

What’s next Because this was a second-reading approval, the ordinance will be codified per the town’s legal process. The town manager and planning staff said additional outreach will be part of forthcoming comprehensive-plan updates and related land-management revisions.