It’s obvious that the Oceana Condos now under construction are taller than other structures in Satellite Beach, prompting questions about allowable height restrictions and beachside development going forward.
To help explain the process, as well as address other growth and development concerns, the city staff will hold a public workshop at 6 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Satellite Beach Library, 751 Jamaica Blvd.
Topics to be covered in the informational presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period, include: the city’s history of land and oceanfront acquisition, and how it impacts the present and future, keying on new development projects.
Some of the details to be covered on the Oceana condos, according to City Manager Courtney Barker, include that Satellite Beach normally has a 65-foot height limitation with the exception being the old Ramada site (now Oceana) that fell under an 85-foot height limitation.
The Ramada Inn Oceanfront Resort served as a Satellite Beach landmark until it was battered by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in September 2004, ripping a three-story-tall gash in its side.
Meanwhile, Oceana developer Maurice Kodsi previously owned and was developing another property, located on the beach across from Ellwood Avenue that had been permitted for a condominium project called Gemini.
The City Council asked Kodsi if he would be willing to give the Gemini property to the city in exchange for an increase of 11 feet on the Ramada site for Oceana condos. This strategy was agreed upon over several public hearings, she said.
“The end result was a 96-foot project at the Ramada site, now Oceana, and no development on the Gemini property, which the city now owns,’’ Barker said.
To exceed the height limitation for Oceana by variance, the city processed a Developer’s Agreement, which included provisions for another beach access and $30,000 for State Road A1A streetscape improvements, she said.
After the project was approved, angered residents appealed to the council to create a ballot initiative that requires voter approval for any future height increases.
Barker noted that the city did not violate the city charter by approving this project.
“It was approved before any charter provision on height existed. Additionally, the city saved another property from development, which is now under public ownership. So, the council worked to save a property from development within the land use laws that are in place today,’’ she said.
Other topics to be discussed at the workshop include development of the Pelican Coast (former Patrick Air Force Base South Housing area), the city’s stormwater systems and a proposal for a 10-foot height increase on commercial properties.