Good evening Grand Lagoon residents,

Tonight, I email you to report the actions our opposition campaign has taken this week, and to talk about the next steps.

On Tuesday, April 2, our petition with 387 signatures was presented during the public comment section of Bay County Commissioner's meeting. Yesterday, April 3, I met individually with Commissioners Pease and Carroll, respectively to discuss our concerns about the development of two Marriott hotels. In both forums, we asked the Commissioners for three things: 1) Hear our opposition to the development because we do oppose it; 2) Host a workshop to present the plans to our Grand Lagoon residents so that everyone can hear the most current plans at once, and 3) to use this development and our opposition as a way to begin a partnership so that we may create and implement a master plan, which we now understand is better called an overlay district, so that we can plan and manage growth in Grand Lagoon together. A master plan for our area will help avoid the present situation we find ourselves in currently with respect to the Grand Lagoon hotel and water park development.

Since we began to voice our opposition, people have said this is a "done deal." Technically, that's not true. The submitted plans do not have permit numbers or development order numbers which means the development is still going through the approval process. However, because this project is properly zoned, the development is not required to go before the Bay County Commissioners for a vote. That means there will be no public hearing. I asked if we could make this topic an agenda or if we could have a workshop so the Commission could explain the details to the Grand Lagoon petitioners and anyone else who wants to learn more. I'm told that is unprecedented. Commissioner Carroll said he will happily meet with our opposition supporters and explain the development plans. So that said - DO YOU WANT TO MEET AND LEARN MORE? (Point #2)

While I, campaign originator Jacqui Barker, met with the Commissioners, I learned Developer Jay Odom will submit an updated plan sometime next week. This will include changes to the proposed site plan. 

During our discussions yesterday, I focused on traffic concerns, over and over. I expressed concern regarding impact fees, infrastructure, environment, and the impact these commercial builds have on us as residents who pay property prices. I voiced a concern regarding unmanaged, long-term growth in our Grand Lagoon community. We do not want to be another community where the residents who pay the taxes are priced out of their homes. 

The key takeaways we can anticipate hearing next week is that traffic mitigation strategies for both North Lagoon and Thomas Drive will be proposed, to include a right-turn only onto Thomas Drive from Town Suite Place hotel. This hotel will have a capacity of 111 units. There are two proposed in and out access roads that will flow onto North Lagoon where there will be a proposed right turn lane only of sorts. The intent of this lane is to relieve North Lagoon traffic that intends to travel straight or turn left at the light. Finally, there is consideration to requesting traffic lights to be retimed, and to direct all pedestrian traffic under the Thomas Drive bridge. All signs, according to Commissioner Clair Pease (District 5), might be charged to the taxpayers, but any road work on either Thomas Drive or North Lagoon will be paid by the Developer. Commissioner Pease said she evaluated traffic patterns and timing by standing on the island for approximately an hour or hour and a half to understand the traffic challenges. Commissioner Pease also said she will happily talk to anyone. She shared her business card. Her contact information is cpease@baycountyfl.gov. Office is (850) 248-8140 and cell is (850) 851-8527. 

Regarding water, sewage, infrastructure, I was told the resort, as the planning documents refer to it, will be on Panama City Beach water. I'm told vibration will be minimal and only short duration, and that storm water runoff concerns have been addressed in the new site plan. Rezoning is not a consideration as the County believes the project is properly zoned. 

The second hotel, called Element, will run parallel to the Martinique fence. Between the Martinique fence and Element Hotel parking will be a retention pond. Element will have a capacity of 122 units. 

Parking for the entire resort will include 264 spots. 

Sadly, because of the current zoning ordinances and processes, the planned development is going to continue through the process. The construction time is short - only two years to completion with an immediate start date.

If you feel helpless and afraid of how these projects will impact our futures, you're not alone. Now is the time to come together and we take control of the fate of our Grand Lagoon community (point #3).

For this moment, let's focus on whether you want to meet to learn more, and we'll tackle the future initiatives after.

WHAT SAY YOU?