Neighbors warn of flooding, erosion and neighborhood "canyoning" as large waterfront homes rise

Several residents who live across from or near the proposed Lakeside Drive projects described recent flooding at their driveways and raised alarm about erosion and water displacement from adjacent construction. Greg Richter said the parcel is "underwater right now" and warned that repeated approvals of taller houses will create a canyon effect along Lakeside Drive, pushing water toward the street and neighboring yards. "If this goes through, then I'm gonna take my non contributing properties the same size across the street... and make $34,000,000 out of it," Richter said, framing residents' fears of demolition and speculative redevelopment.

Jackie Gardner described calf‑deep water in her driveway during the evening's rain, arguing that the board should more carefully weigh drainage and site civil plans. Staff responded that drainage and engineering reviews occur during building-permit review and that the HRPB's statutory purview is limited to visual compatibility and historic character. Staff also said Florida statute and local code limit the board's ability to require simultaneous plans for demolition and new construction for noncontributing structures in coastal flood zones. The public testimony and the board's discussion prompted members to request a dedicated workshop on drainage, demolition notice and design guidance for floodplain areas.