Despite social media speculation to the contrary, Satellite Beach city officials say they have been playing by the rules when it comes to growth and development, and will continue to do so.
Those rules allow the city to legally apply relaxed height requirements – for the Oceana Condominiums under construction, and the future development of the former Patrick Air Force Base housing area.
Getting that point across to the public was the goal during a mostly cordial standing-room-only meeting held July 24 at the David R. Schechter Community Center. All related documents are now posted on Satellitebeach.org.
A host of city officials participated in compiling the information for an extensive PowerPoint presentation. The meeting was emceed by Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker with Mayor Frank Catino, a native of Satellite Beach, starting the meeting off with a detailed city history. Catino also covered how the city purchased (and received grants for) 40 percent of the beachfront property which has been set aside for parks and beach access.
“We were trying to address rumors and incorrect information on social media and to provide some real facts about what people were talking about,’’ Barker said.
For example, some of that highly prized property came into the city as part of the Oceana deal, with the condominium allowed to be built two stories taller than normal in exchange for 1.9 acres of beachfront property with the developer also paying more than $500,000 in impact fees. Rumors was that no impact fees had been paid.
The meeting also gave details on another concern picked up by social media: the 85-foot heights to be allowed on the future development of the 27.5-acre former Satellite Shores neighborhood where 105 rental homes are being demolished at the northwest corner of State Road A1A and Shearwater Parkway.
Developers plan to use the area build single-family homes, three condo buildings close to SR A1A and a hotel, but no official plans have been submitted.
Most of the city allows 65-foot-tall or lower buildings.
This property was part of the Patrick AFB south housing complex built in 1957. There still is a tract south of Shearwater Parkway which is committed to military housing for the next 30 years.
Subsequent Facebook posts by opponents say the city – considering the questions surrounding sewage capacity, infrastructure needs and, more recently, contamination of groundwater – should step back from approving any high-density developments.
Barker said the effort was worthwhile to set the record straight with several residents waiting afterwards to make positive comments.
“There are just a few people intent on putting the incorrect information out there. We know we’re not going to change their minds. We care more about the larger group of people that we were trying to reach,’’ she said.
