Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board debates opening Island Walk to the public as condo owners restrict access
Summary
Staff and board members clashed over whether to open the Island Walk (a public easement on newer developments) after several condo owners fenced access; staff said site plans and county rules support public access, but security and practical issues remain.
Board members and staff debated whether the village should press to open the Island Walk, a public easement included in many recent site plans, after several condominium developments fenced off waterfront access.
Staff said the island walk was included in site plans and that county regulation has long supported public access along water-front developments, but several property owners have blocked or fenced parts of the walk. "I asked for the Island Walk to be open, and we lost it 3-2," staff said, describing a prior commission decision. Staff and several board members argued public access fulfills the original planning promise and enhances waterfront enjoyment.
Other members raised concerns about safety and privacy where walkways abut low-level residential units or pools. Suggested compromises included phased openings, hours-of-use restrictions, key-fob or permit trials, enhanced lighting and additional police circulation. Staff said enforcement or litigation would require consistent action across affected properties and that the city could offer assistance to buildings willing to open access.
The board did not take a final vote but asked staff to pursue targeted outreach to condo associations and to report options for phased or limited public access at a future meeting.
