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Council approves variance allowing nearly 12‑foot wall at 101 North Atlantic Drive over neighbor objections
Summary
The council approved VAR25‑0006 to allow construction of a wall that reaches about 11'11" at its low point at 101 North Atlantic Drive, citing security concerns and staff support; nearby residents urged a shorter wall with hedge screening. Vote: 5–0.
The Town Council approved a variance (VAR25‑0006) to Town Code section 23‑81 permitting an effective wall height of roughly 11 feet 11 inches at the lowest grade on the south side of 101 North Atlantic Drive. The applicant, Anna Davey, and architect Elmar Benavente told council the lot slopes toward the water; they said the proposed wall will remain a consistent 6 feet at the house and only reach the higher measurement where the ground tapers down toward the seawall. "For me, it's not really about privacy. It's more about security," Davey told the council, saying she and her family have experienced thefts and trespass on their dock.
Neighbors objected to the scale and visual effect. Elona Balfour, who lives on North Atlantic Drive, read comments urging a regular-height wall with a dense hedge to preserve the island atmosphere and said a nearly 12‑foot wall would create "an impression that we live in a walled in compound." Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval (the commission recommended 4–1), and staff cited safety and the lot's grading in support of the variance. Council Member Mason moved for approval and Council Member Rivera seconded; the motion carried 5–0.
Staff clarified that the wall will be built within the owners' property line, will not be attached to the seawall, and that FEMA elevation rules require raising the house but not the setback areas. The council said staff will continue coordination on related permitting and survey issues as construction proceeds.
