Today's PNJ has a story on a big development proposed for Perdido Key in District 1.
This concerns me for multiple reasons, not the least of which is the traffic situation we already are dealing with as it pertains to the "Doug Underhill roundabout" which has been a failure. Which I am having re-designed so it will actually work-which I will fix to work properly.
So this new development is proposed for the footprint of the old Best Western motel that was wiped-out during Hurricane Ivan. In addition, it will encompass some additional parcels to the east of the Best Western footprint.
This additional development will exacerbate already significant traffic bottlenecks--which is why the permitting of this development has to be thoughtfully considered and scrutinized.
It is also why we DESPERATELY need traffic mobility fees/concurrency to put the onus for widening roads on developers when such developers' projects degrade capacity of exising roadways. I've brought it multiple times, and staff is working on this and will be studying what other like sized counties are doing and then they will be bringing recommendation(s) back to the board for our consideration. More to come on that in the months to come.
For my vote, if I get one on this project, I will NOT support any variations from the established Perdido Key Master Plan. That plan is widely embraced by the folks at Perdido Key and so I will demand it be followed. (Just like I am doing with proposed developments at OLF 8 in Beulah).
More importantly than that, we have responsibilites to ensure the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation plan is followed to the letter, which staff will do. Additionally, the platting of the subdivision portion of this development will require the requestor go through the county's subdivision platting process, which could take 12-18 months or more. Additionally, I am told all impacts to the wetlands will require mitigation and impacts to beach mouse habitiat will require the developer to donate similar mouse habitat elsewhere on the key, where such property will be placed in conservation, and not be buildable.
And finally, the roadway proposed directly impacts wetlands, meaning DEP and Federal permits from the Army Corps of Engineers will be required, and can take between 6-months and a year to acquire. It is unknown at this time as to whether or not this developer, Joe Mirabile, has obtained such permits.
All this to say this development will not be a slam dunk, lots of existing state, federal, and local laws, codes, and ordinances will have to be met to the letter, and lots of eyes on this project.
Including mine.
I'm a rule follower. Time for us all to become keenly attenuated to the adopted, accepted, and widely embraced PK Master Plan....
