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Atlantic Beach council directs manager to explore buying $2.5M Causeway corner lot, consider conservation easement
Summary
Council discussed purchasing a prominent waterfront corner lot listed at $2.5 million (tax value $1.49M; owner bought for about $850,000), directed the town manager to negotiate for a lower price and pursue funding or conservation-easement options, and asked staff to research bulkhead repair costs for related properties.
The Atlantic Beach Town Council instructed Town Manager John O'Daniel to approach the owner of the corner lot at 100 AB Causeway about a potential purchase and to investigate funding options, including grants and conservation-easement approaches that might reduce the seller's tax burden.
Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer highlighted the lot's live oak trees and waterfront location as reasons to seek public use of the site. Council noted the listing price of $2.5 million, the county tax value of $1.49 million and the owner's prior purchase price of approximately $850,000, and characterized the asking price as high. Archer volunteered to join staff in negotiations.
Council also identified additional privately owned lots near the bathhouse and at the Causeway ends (including lots referenced as 714, 718 and 804 and adjoining lots 801 and 803 near the bridge abutment) as candidates for acquisition to add beach access and parking. Staff was instructed to send letters to selected owners and to obtain estimates for bulkhead repairs; the Council discussed improving a town-owned lot on Center Drive with benches or a dock.
Council discussed using a conservation easement to lower acquisition costs for the town and provide tax benefits to a willing seller. No purchase agreement was authorized at the retreat; the council's action was a direction to staff to open discussions and to explore funding sources and repair costs.
