Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ocean Club site plan for 6849 North Ocean Boulevard approved by Ocean Ridge commission
Summary
The Ocean Ridge commission approved a major site plan for the Ocean Club at 6849 North Ocean Boulevard after staff and consultants said the proposal complies with town code; commissioners and public raised questions about construction staging, parking and concurrent condo work.
The Ocean Ridge Town Commission approved a major site plan for the Ocean Club at 6849 North Ocean Boulevard during its June meeting, accepting staff's recommendation and a unanimous planning and zoning recommendation.
Corey O'Gorman, the town planner, told the commission the application proposes a new two‑story clubhouse, modifications to pool cabanas, a redesigned parking lot and site access improvements. He said the project was reviewed for coastal construction setbacks and that, where improvements are seaward of the town's coastal lines, permits and compliance with Department of Environmental Protection requirements will be required before a building permit is issued.
Orlando Rubio of Craig Smith & Associates reported that drainage plans, geotechnical data and civil designs have been reviewed and appear to comply with town standards pending final utility reviews. Brian Donahue of Insight Studio, representing the applicant, said the membership voted in favor of the project earlier this year, reporting an 88% approval with 84% participation, and that the design includes 96 proposed parking spaces compared with the code‑required 85 spaces based on seating and staffing ratios.
Architect Brian Bridal of Peacock & Lewis described a traditional, island‑colonial clubhouse architecture intended to blend with the surrounding landscape. Applicant representatives said temporary facilities (a fully air‑conditioned tent with trailer‑mounted restroom systems) would be used to keep the club operational during construction and that staging is largely internal to the site.
Public commenters expressed mixed feelings. Terry Brown and other residents praised the design but raised concerns about traffic and the prospect of simultaneous condo construction adjacent to the site. Commissioners pressed the applicant for details about accessible routing, coordination with FDOT for the mid‑block pedestrian crossing, and how temporary utilities and construction traffic would be handled.
Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to approve the site plan for 6849 North Ocean Boulevard; Commissioner Castle (speaker 3) seconded the motion. The commission carried the motion on an audible voice vote.
Next steps: the town will coordinate outstanding permit requirements, including any DEP permits for seaward work and final utility approvals, before issuing building permits; the applicant estimates project completion in 2028.
