Atlantic Beach council approves FMB The Grove Phase II site plan

The Town of Atlantic Beach Council unanimously approved the Phase II Major Site Plan for FMB The Grove, located at 100 and 110 Atlantic Boulevard, during its Feb. 16 meeting.

Planning Director Elisabeth Webster told council the Phase II submission, reviewed by the Planning Board in January and February 2026, calls for two multi-story north-side buildings with ground-floor parking, commercial space on the first floor and 29 residential units in each building; the south side would include eight single-family condo units above a parking deck with 103-1200 square feet of commercial space in front. The project lies in the Circle District and, according to council discussion, carries vested rights established roughly 20 years ago that the current council cannot alter.

Councilmember Joseph Starling pressed for confirmation that the plan met applicable rules and requirements; Webster confirmed it does. "Now that the plan meets all rules and requirements, it must be approved; we do not have justification to deny it," Starling said. Joey Dean moved to approve the plan as submitted; Austin Waters seconded, and the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Councilmember Renea Baker asked about exterior lighting. Applicant Fred Bunn said the developers will work with Duke Energy and that street lights would be a maximum of 12 feet in height; Courtney of the Cullipher Group confirmed that any relocation or alteration of lighting required by the town would be at the applicant's expense.

The approval advances the site plan to implementation steps required by town permitting and is recorded as an approved major site plan by the Planning Department. The council did not attach conditions beyond the usual permitting and utility coordination noted in the discussion.

The council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.