Hampton Inn Seagrove Beach on Chateau Hotel Property

] Tell Christina to attend the meeting on Thursday. She will get plenty of people to talk on camera. Stopping in businesses and asking opinions of people who might be employees and not business owners was probably not going to get results- smart employees won't comment if they don't know their employers' views on the subject.

] Tell Christina to attend the meeting on Thursday. She will get plenty of people to talk on camera. Stopping in businesses and asking opinions of people who might be employees and not business owners was probably not going to get results- smart employees won't comment if they don't know their employers' views on the subject.

A reporter's best friend is Happy Hour.

Maybe it's just me (not paying enough attention), but it seems like a lot of these more controversial projects seem to be brought up to the Boards around Christmas time, when people are very pre-occupied, or January, when very few people are here, to voice opposing opinions, or are still distracted by post-Christmas bills and football. Is this just coincidence? And who will give a damn about a petition that was signed "last year"?

Yes, you are correct. The holiday season is always the best time to slip under the radar. That is an often exploited trick at multiple levels public, and as an extra benefit if things go south, the holidays minimize the gossip circuit.

A reporter's best friend is Happy Hour.

Around here a reporter's best friend should be SoWal.com and the FB Walton County Visioning group page.

Why be concerned about a commercial establishment. 30A will not stay the same forever. Anyone who thinks that is just dreaming. Think of the town you grew up in...Is it exactly the same today as it was when you lived there?

Would you rather the Atlanta elite just keep building 12,000 sq.ft. homes everywhere? They will eventually build their own little paradise for themselves and eliminate all public beach access. Don't believe that will happen? Just go to Ponte Vedra Beach and try to find a public beach access or parking anywhere. Money can buy a beach.

Why be concerned about a commercial establishment. 30A will not stay the same forever. Anyone who thinks that is just dreaming. Think of the town you grew up in...Is it exactly the same today as it was when you lived there?

Would you rather the Atlanta elite just keep building 12,000 sq.ft. homes everywhere? They will eventually build their own little paradise for themselves and eliminate all public beach access. Don't believe that will happen? Just go to Ponte Vedra Beach and try to find a public beach access or parking anywhere. Money can buy a beach.

It's not about preserving 30A in a bottle, it's about preserving the character and uniqueness of the area. You can do that and have development, responsible development has always been welcome on 30A.

30A isn't anything like Ponte Vedra Beach, how many state parks are in that area? Did the residents/second home owners actively pursue public parking and beach accesses as we do here? I doubt it.

Yes, you are correct. The holiday season is always the best time to slip under the radar. That is an often exploited trick at multiple levels public, and as an extra benefit if things go south, the holidays minimize the gossip circuit.

Wasn't the "Curve" in Scenic 98, that provided for Destiny By The Sea, constructed in one day, Christmas Eve or Christmas day?

I didn't see this posted yet, but here's a petition you can sign if you do not want the Hampton Inn to be on 30A. You can also pass this link onto your friends who are not on SoWal.com:

Will you sign the petition too? Click here to add your name:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/protect-30a-from-proposed?source=s.fwd&r_by=12027827

The petition says:

That's why I signed a petition to Bill Chapman, District 1 Commissioner, Cecilia Jones, District 2 Commissioner, Bill Imfeld, District 3 Commissioner, Chair, Sara Comande, District 4 Commissioner, Vice Chair, Cindy Meadows, District 5 Commissioner, and Carrie Thiemann, which says:

"William "Bill" Chapman, District 1 Commissioner
9446 Rock Hill Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
Office (850) 835-4860
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Dear Commissioner Meadows,

I am writing with great concern over the proposed Hampton Inn development in Seagrove. I am truly shocked that this project would be considered as it goes against the heart of 30A—it’s non-commercial appeal and preservation of beautifully unique neighborhoods. Introducing a chain hotel would change the face of 30A for its residents, friends and visitors of 30A alike.

30A has set itself apart due to its high values and insight from our Planning Commission and County Commissioners. I know that you very well understand the importance of this as you are a leader with great vision, a champion in neighborhood preservation and were instrumental in designating 30 A as a Florida Scenic Highway.

In closing, I stress that I believe approval of this project would be detrimental to our area. Please do not approve the proposed Hampton Inn development in Seagrove!

Thank you!
"

I just saw that this morning. I didn't scroll to page two of this discussion board when I posted the petition and I only saw the discussion on page 1. So, I guess it was useful to post it again anyway in case anyone else didn't see it. Anyone can send the link to others invested in the beauty, safety, and uniqueness (and avoidance of chains as much as possible) along 30A.

I just saw that this morning. I didn't scroll to page two of this discussion board when I posted the petition and I only saw the discussion on page 1. So, I guess it was useful to post it again anyway in case anyone else didn't see it. Anyone can send the link to others invested in the beauty, safety, and uniqueness (and avoidance of chains as much as possible) along 30A.

First, although I signed the petition, we can't object solely based on "it doesn't fit the look or ideology of 30a" . Bottom line it is potentially going to cause flooding problems with a dune lake and a neighborhood that already floods because of their lack of a retention pond and a built up foundation and parking field. That particular area is at the speed reduction zone, so more traffic entering an already slow 30a. These are the reasons that they veto, not because we don't like the look.

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1031

PUBLIC NOTICE: Planning Commission Potential Hampton Inn Development Item Rescheduled for January 8

The following Planning Item in regard to the development of a potential Hampton Inn has been rescheduled for the January 8th Planning Meeting.

Re-Design of Chateau 30A - Project number 14-00100167 is being reviewed by Brian Underwood. This is a major development order application submitted by Jenkins Engineering, Inc., requesting approval to develop a 44,205 square foot, 90-room limited lodging hotel and a 660 square foot retail space on a 2.4-acre parcel with a future land use of Village Mixed Use. The project is located on East CR 30A north of Williams Street and is identified by parcel number(s) 24-3S-19-25030-000-0021.

The rescheduling of the items was done so at the request of the developer.
The January 8th Planning Commission Meeting will be held at 5:00pm in the South Walton Annex Board Room located at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd. in Santa Rosa Beach.

You can't compare Fair Hope to 30A.

I agree, Fairhope is a stunningly beautiful city with a vibrant downtown area, parks, tree lined streets and a thriving art community. There is a water front park and a 1400 ft. public pier with a marina and restaurant. The park has a rose garden and fountain, plus picnic tables, pavilion, duck pond, tree trail, and a large sandy beach and parking. There are also bluff top parks along the bay. In 2007, Fairhope was named the second best small town in the south by Southern Living magazine.

I agree, Fairhope is a stunningly beautiful city with a vibrant downtown area, parks, tree lined streets and a thriving art community. There is a water front park and a 1400 ft. public pier with a marina and restaurant. The park has a rose garden and fountain, plus picnic tables, pavilion, duck pond, tree trail, and a large sandy beach and parking. There are also bluff top parks along the bay. In 2007, Fairhope was named the second best small town in the south by Southern Living magazine.

If you look at Google earth, the difference between Fair Hope's Hampton Inn and the one proposed in Seagrove is that the former is surrounded by a commercial area and totally compatibile with that area. Not so for the proposed Seagrove Hampton Inn.

From Walton County Public Information:

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following Planning Item in regard to the development of a potential Hampton Inn has been rescheduled for the January 8[SUP]th[/SUP] Planning Meeting.

Re-Design of Chateau 30A - Project number 14-00100167 is being reviewed by Brian Underwood. This is a major development order application submitted by Jenkins Engineering, Inc., requesting approval to develop a 44,205 square foot, 90-room limited lodging hotel and a 660 square foot retail space on a 2.4-acre parcel with a future land use of Village Mixed Use. The project is located on East CR 30A north of Williams Street and is identified by parcel number(s) 24-3S-19-25030-000-0021.


The rescheduling of the items was done so at the request of the developer.

The January 8[SUP]th[/SUP] Planning Commission Meeting will be held at 5:00pm in the South Walton Annex Board Room located at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd. in Santa Rosa Beach.

If you look at Google earth, the difference between Fair Hope's Hampton Inn and the one proposed in Seagrove is that the former is surrounded by a commercial area and totally compatible with that area. Not so for the proposed Seagrove Hampton Inn.

Here's an idea...

Compare this new proposed Hampton Inn vs. the Superduper Mega Wedding House (there are two that sleep 30+, just north of Bramble Grove).

Compare them as to how they impact the community. Some examples might be:

Which one has occupancy limits?

Which one has full licensing and insurance?

Which one will provide Adequate Parking for their property and guests?

Which on may contribute to local charity?

Just some ideas to contrast and compare.

As for Ch. 7 "needing to speak to people" that's a lame excuse. Do the research, create a story, don't rely on people who are hesitant to speak to do you jobs for you. Go report.

nothing locals like more than an Atlanta housewife deciding she should dictate what they may or may not do with their million dollar private property

nothing locals like more than an Atlanta housewife deciding she should dictate what they may or may not do with their million dollar private property

Actually I'm a Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Math and have two M.S. and a Ph.D. degree. Hubby has a M.S. and Ph.D. in engineering and M.B.A.s from UVA and UNC too, and as C.O.O. of a major international manufacturing company, he knows how to negotiate. We care about the future of South Walton because we own a non-rental home here. We have fought other incompatible projects in South Walton and have won.

So I'm not just some Atlanta housewife who is bored.

If you look at Google earth, the difference between Fair Hope's Hampton Inn and the one proposed in Seagrove is that the former is surrounded by a commercial area and totally compatibile with that area. Not so for the proposed Seagrove Hampton Inn.

My point is Fairhope vs 30A is an apples and oranges comparison. Fairhope is an actual city with mayor, city council, police dept. etc.

Actually I'm a Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Math and have two M.S. and a Ph.D. degree. Hubby has a M.S. and Ph.D. in engineering and M.B.A.s from UVA and UNC too, and as C.O.O. of a major international manufacturing company, he knows how to negotiate. We care about the future of South Walton because we own a non-rental home here. We have fought other incompatible projects in South Walton and have won.

So I'm not just some Atlanta housewife who is bored.

Bad ass! What a nice F U response! Didnt see that one coming I bet)))

Seaducer could care less. While I said I was glad to see him return, I also knew he would only try to stir the pot on many issues. It is evidently how he gets his kicks and when he does so, he should be ignored or you should consider the source.

The thought of something like this even being considerd is frightening. The additional load on small neighborhood beach accesses, the environmental impact, the density. Is there precedent for the county denying development permits for such projects, or do they just approve anything brought before them as long as it meets the current zoning requirements?

seaducer is from Destin. Maybe he likes the way Destin looks. I don't. It's why I chose South Walton.

The thought of something like this even being considerd is frightening. The additional load on small neighborhood beach accesses, the environmental impact, the density. Is there precedent for the county denying development permits for such projects, or do they just approve anything brought before them as long as it meets the current zoning requirements?

Part of the problem is they approve almost anything because there is no zoning requirements, only land use codes which, in themselves, are vague and useless for useful, controlled development. Walton County badly needs to come into the 21st centuray and instill some valid, well defined zoning codes. They refuse to do it for some unknown reason.

I frankly don't care if you're both an astronaut and a beauty queen, and I'm sure most here find your little list as impressive as you find it.....the question is why don't you and "hubby" do something other than show up and try to slam the door behind you? Someone as proud of your credentials must be capable of doing more than simply asking true local governance to protect your shallow interests.



How much property have you and "hubby" locked into conservation down here near your private "non-rental' vacation home?

I think the best thing to do would to enforce strict architectural guidelines for commercial construction in both Seagrove and Seacrest Beach. Make the Aesthetics of the buildings be so extreme that no hotel chain will want to pay the money to build on 30A.