Consultant Diamond Shores details community-driven plan to remake 30th Avenue South

Diamond Shores, the firm selected from three proposers, told Atlantic Beach council members on June 2 that it will use targeted outreach and technical inventories to produce a short, action-oriented comprehensive plan and a revised Land Management Ordinance for 30th Avenue South.

"Everything that you see is going to be unique to this town," consultant David Schrewd said, describing a combined planning and engineering approach intended to produce practical, implementable recommendations. Schrewd, who identified himself as Diamond Shores' planning lead, said the firm will gather covenants, property histories, infrastructure data and public input before drafting land-use and design standards.

The presentation outlined multiple public-engagement tools: in-person drop-in sessions, visioning and mapping workshops, targeted focus groups (for seniors, parents or business owners), paper and online surveys, mailed notices for nonresident property owners and a presence at community events. Schrewd said drafts would be shared iteratively with council and the planning commission and that the firm aims to keep the final document concise with a short, prioritized action plan.

Council members stressed early council involvement and additional workshop opportunities so elected officials can review drafts before formal hearings. "Pick some council meetings that work for you as a council," Schrewd said, adding the preliminary calendar can be adjusted for additional council workshops. Mayor Pro Tem John David asked that the firm and staff ensure the council sees drafts well before any vote.

Cheatham told the council the selection followed an RFP issued Feb. 1 and an evaluation committee that included the planning commission chair and residents. Diamond Shores' stated scope includes a comprehensive plan update, a commercial master plan for the historic district and a subsequent Land Management Ordinance to implement the plan's standards (setbacks, parking, landscaping, stormwater and review procedures).

Schrewd emphasized the project's utility beyond ordinance text: the firm will identify staffing and infrastructure needs tied to growth, provide cost estimates to support funding applications, and present short-, mid- and long-term action items. He said the team will also help brand town documents for consistent presentation.

There was no recorded council vote authorizing the contract during the meeting; the item was presented and discussed and council asked staff to coordinate schedule details and possible council workshops.

Next steps: Diamond Shores said it would finalize a timeline and outreach calendar if the town proceeds with a contract, produce outreach materials and begin data-gathering and stakeholder interviews. The council requested additional workshop dates and clearer interim draft review points before a final adoption schedule is set.