HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are concerned about what a potential donation of 26 acres to Grassy Point Preserve in exchange for road access along a city-owned right of way might mean for a 28th Street neighborhood.
The property is controlled by Nora Scholan who inherited the property and is executor of the will governing it. During a June meeting, she appeared before commissioners to offer the 26 acres to the city in exchange for access along a city right of way to buildable lots located off of 28th Street that otherwise would have no direct access to a street. While commissioners were at first enthusiastic about the trade, they now want to know exactly what they would be allowing to happen in that residential neighborhood before they sign on the dotted line, particularly what buildable lots would be opened up for development and how the surrounding mangroves and sea grapes would be affected.
City Engineer Lynn Burnett spoke to commissioners during a July 23 work session to give them a brief update on the project. She said that she had met with ecological professionals, walked the upland areas and was working on concept plans to be presented to commissioners in August for how the lower areas could be protected from flooding which she said could also have a positive impact for surrounding residences. She added that there was the potential to put in barriers that would be nearly invisible and minimally invasive in the area to hold back king tides and other high water events.
Burnett said the due diligence period for the land acquisition had been extended by 120 days to allow for more research. She said that she would have more information for commissioners when they reconvene Aug. 27.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said that she visited the site and saw the upland areas. After the visit, she said she wants a better idea of what the city is giving up and what the impact on the environment and surrounding homes would be if the city agrees to the deal.
If city leaders do agree, in exchange for the property, the city will create and finance the building of a road along city right of way to give access to the buildable lots that would still be owned by the Hames family and available for the building of residential properties or sale to new owners for development. The size and number of lots that would have access along the road are expected to be discussed at a future meeting.
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