I don't think the City does have control at this point. You can't deny building that
meets zoning and code. Even if Satellite changed their land use regs. right now, the
developer would have a viable Bert Harris Act claim against the City, since the plans
were so far in motion before the change.


Satellite clearly does not have the stomach to stop the worsening landscape pollution
and oversized structures in their own community. Councilman Montanaro's comment in
Florida Today's article, suggesting Satellite somehow prevented an even worse
scenario, comparing Neptune Beach's "blowing up" with development, is a dishonest
and ignorant comparison. Who is that guy? - Satellite did not do their "homework" on
this issue.

Neptune Beach may have "blown up" recently, but the reason for that is because it's a
great place to live, due to successfully doing what Satellite and a few other beach
communities in this area have failed to do, namely: zoning only allowing single family
or duplexes & a few grandfathered triplexes; no short term rentals; encouraging long
term & permanent residency; 2004 vote passed on height limitations at around 35'
-45'; commercial limited to "Town Center" and portions west of 3rd st.; modifying 1st
street successfully discouraging vehicular traffic - you don't need or want a car in
Neptune Beach; tight restrictions on what can exist in commercial sector (Town Center)
encouraging interesting commercial and artistic ventures; the town appears to work at
improving the lives of permanent or long term residents, unlike Satellite.

At this point, civil disobedience would be the only road to stopping this project, which
has worked in stopping unpopular proposed development.


Edited: 11/07/2019 at 03:11 PM by 2nd Light Forums Moderator