Commissioner’s Corner
Hello Sunset Beach! First off, I thank you all for your continued faith and confidence, as I was re-elected without opposition. However, we will be voting on a new US representative, on March 11th. Our state representative, Kathleen Peters, ran and lost in the Republican primary. She will remain our state rep as one does not have to resign a state seat by running for a federal seat. I can assure you that the commission is staying on top of the warranty issues with the cracks in the new beach walk. Is it just me, or does it seem like these tests are taking forever? We do have some good news on the beach, as we are still on schedule for our beach renourishment this May. The commission and the local planning agency (LPA) are working on a new zoning category, called “planned development” or PD. It is for 2 areas in the city; the Gators property (north end) and the hotel district on the west side of Gulf Blvd. Some say that there is more to it than increased height and/or density. I would say that without an increase in height and/or density, no developer would go through all the things necessary for PD without something in return. Experts in government and accounting say increased development, especially big, expensive projects, are a way to keep our tax rate low. Something to keep in mind when we are asked to vote for height and density increases.
That is all for now. Alan Bildz, Commissioner District 4