A1A & DeSoto Property Use
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A1A & DeSoto Property Use
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Email your ideas to: peglegs@satellitebeach.org
Thank you for sharing your personal ideas for the property at A1A & Desoto. You will receive a generic acknowledgement via email. Your ideas will be sent to city staff, and will be printed out and become part of the permanent record of the Ad-Hoc Committee. We encourage you to attend the committee's public meetings. Meeting dates, agendas and minutes are available on the Ad-Hoc Committee page.
Electronic Mail
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public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released to a
public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.
Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Effective July 1, 2006. (Conn)
Stacey Monk (staceybmonk@yahoo.com):
In an effort to attract young innovators to our area, retain the brightest
young people who are raised here, and even increase the business tax base and
employment in Satellite Beach, why not dedicate the site as an
"incubator" area for new small businesses and/or non-profit
organizations that might improve the quality of life and/or business climate in
Satellite Beach?
Here's how this might work:
1) Applications could be sought from former Satellite High School students
and other young people - say under 40 - from Satellite Beach (and/or the best
and brightest from across the country) who have interesting business proposals
and the talent to bring them to fruition. I imagine this could range from
small restaurants, bars and theaters to technology and aeronautics firms
to real estate companies . Who knows? The ideas are endless.
2) The City Council could work to identify a team or committee of local
investors who would both choose the proposal(s) (more than one business could
potentially fit on the site, dependent on construction) and at least partially
fund the endeavor and build-out of the site. New proposals could be sought
at least every other year, if not more often, dependent on the type of business.
3) Once the incubation period has elapsed, a profitable new business could move
into another Satellite Beach home, thus providing tax income (and additional
jobs) to the local economy. Additionally, the City could require that an
additional percentage of the profits of any previously incubated business be
earmarked for funding future ventures or for funding other Satellite Beach
programs.
I also very much like the idea of an alternative energy park or an amphitheater
provided a committee is dedicated to ensuring it's used effectively and
continuously - In any case, let's be creative -
Susan Foley (sfoley@cfl.rr.com):
I would like to see this property used for the citizens of Satellite Beach. I love the outdoor theatre idea. The last thing we need is to sell it for more commercial development.
Marianne Sinclair (MSINCLAIR1@cfl.rr.com):
My first idea was to suggest an office complex with apartments overhead. This would generate income for the city while we still retained ownership of the lot. Then another poster suggested a parking lot for the beach. That is a great idea ! My parents built a home in Satellite Beach in 1956. We came here in 1960. Nowadays, I would be very scared to have my children cross A1A to get to the beach. That is why I think a parking lot with an elevated crossover is needed. We old-timers on the west side of A1A also need sidewalks. I'm very angry that the condos got them first!
Hank and Marilyn Rutkowski (Hanker4@bellsouth.net):
My wife and I think this location would make a swell small park with benches and swings etc.....
Steve Munafo (SteveMunafo@aol.com):
A new police station would be nice. Who ever heard of a police station in the middle of a residential area (currently), this isn't the South Bronx. Build a state of the art facility, and sell the old station to a housing developer to help offset costs. Two or three houses at the stations current site would add to the tax base also. Since Satellite is famous for its Police, lets show it off a little, like the new fire house on S. Patrick.
Cameron Kyvik (cameron_kyvik@msn.com):
I believe a great use of the peglegs area would be an Environmental Center. This center would focus on the wildlife of Satellite Beach on both the beach and river sides and also serve as a small turtle rehab center, recycling center, and environmental event hub. I have come up with some drawings and layouts that I plan on bringing to the meeting.
The layout would be as follows:
-Open front room with a oval counter in the center for event sign-ups, information, etc. the front of the room would feature mammals on one wall and birds on the other. Behind the desk area would be an activity center for kids. This would have things such as easy crafts, touch and feel areas, and interactive exhibits.
-The left, or East wing of the building would be an aquarium room featuring sea life from all areas of our beaches, including tide pools, sandbar, and open water inhabitants. perhaps a touch tank could be featured in the middle of the room.
- the west wing would be similar in setup to the left, but would instead contain river species.
- the back of the area would be a covered screened area with 2 or 3 good-sized round holding tanks for injured or lost baby sea turtles. This area would have lots of information on turtles and specifics on our species. there would also be an adjacent area outside with recycling information and a good variety of containers.
The center would be maintained mostly by volunteers and would be funded by recycling and events such as turtle walks and other events that would go on throughout the year, as well as donations.
I hope you all will consider my idea, since it is something that I believe would benefit the community as a whole, for both people and our wildlife. Please do not dismiss me because of my young age of 18, I have many years of experience with animals, a passion for them and the education of the community, and have been thinking about this for several months.
If anyone has ideas to share that go along with the Center idea or thoughts of companies that would be willing to donate time, money, services, or equipment, please e-mail me. If the Brevard Zoo could get a community's help, why can't we?
Ferris Hillmann (fer_nat@bellsouth.net):
Hi, My wife, kids and I moved to Satellite Beach in 1962. I would like to see this property developed as a place to welcome new and old visitors to our great city. A place for the people to come and learn a little history about this area because it has been an exciting place to live. A Welcome Center, full of History, information about the beaches and with covered picnic areas, would be great..
Scott & Christine (jetsam@cfl.rr.com):
I realize there is much opposition to allowing this land to go to commercial use, and I tend to agree. But truthfully, Satellite Beach already has several lovely parks along A1A including some very nice playgrounds. So, perhaps we should consider using it for beach access parking. The existing lots often fill up on a nice day.
If it were possible for the City to launch it's own commercial enterprise, I'd love to see a miniature golf facility go on this lot. Not to draw in tourists, though I imagine they'd enjoy it too, but to benefit local families and individuals of all ages. Aside from the beach parks and the local movie theater, there are few activities available in Satellite Beach for a fun day or evening "out on the town".
Thank you
Debbie Ghalib (debbieghalib@cfl.rr.com):
......perhaps for outdoor music and live theater!!!!
Christina LaFortune (christina.lafortune@earthlink.net):
I would like to see this property used as a multi-use cultural center/performing arts venue, including a stage which could be used for
lecture series, concerts, dance recitals, theatrical performances and educational programs. Such a venue would be useful to many people and
organizations, and encourage cultural growth in this area.
The property is in an awkward position for a park, given its close proximity to A1A. It is a busy intersection and I wouldn't want my
small child playing there with so much traffic so close. However if it is used for a park or green space, I would propose building a
pedestrian bridge across A1A to allow kids to safely cross between that property and the beach/Pelican Beach
Park.
I would vehemently oppose having it sold for commercial development or turned into a parking lot. This area is already over-developed; I
would prefer to see the property turned into something valuable for the community.
William Vance (wvance@cfl.rr.com):
Idea for the old Peg Legs property are:
An attractive building occupied by the Satellite Beach Chamber of Commerce and a Tourist Information office. This would give the city more standing within the local communities and attract more tourist and businesses.
The offices would service the local communities (like our Library) yet located within our city.
Lynn Price (lrpricepa@yahoo.com):
I do not know why the government chose to destroy Peg Leg's, one of the best restaurants in the area, along with so many others. The best use of this property is to build a new Peg Leg's. It's heartbreaking to know that another condo is inevitable. This charade of asking us "commoners" for an opinion is insulting!
Susan Melton (melton@sopris.net):
If the city decides to sell the property, I would suggest using the funds to build more tennis courts at DeSoto complex since it is difficult to get courts during the week in the mornings. Thank you for your consideration.
Scott & Christine (jetsam@cfl.rr.com):
How about tennis courts??? Lighted tennis courts, as many as will fit, for free, public use... similar to the pair of courts that Indian Harbour offers next to the fire station. That would be awesome, and very do-able.
Chris Galli (cgalli@iNetUSA.com):
I agree 100% with Christopher Bearden. However, in order to take full advantage of the lot and the natural resource most abundant in our area, especially during hurricanes when we most need it, we should put emphasis on pure clean wind power. Maybe name it Windmill Park. Commercial windmills with elegant natural landscaping could provide revenue for The City of Satellite Beach and a source of power for the city when we are without, during hurricanes. Windmills and other energy gatherers could also be erected along the city owned beachfront property with minimal invasion on wildlife and preservation efforts.
Lois Felder, Diana Epstein, & William Fullerton (loisvpc@icdus.com):
My daughter, grandson & I feel the property would serve the community best as GREEN THUMB PARK: an educational facility with a pavilion, restrooms, & locked storage area for gardening equipment, etc. People could come together & plant gardens (veggies, berries, flowers, etc.), compost recycled vegetation collected by the city, collect rain water & learn about the environment with programs presented by the Florida Agricultural Department (maybe they would even provide grant money). With all the condos in the area, there's no place to dig in the dirt & grow things. School children could learn firsthand how seeds turn into plants & which plants survive in our area. A beautiful butterfly garden & birdhouse would encourage a more natural way to control bugs---& if you need someone to supervise the park, my daughter lives right across the street! Good luck with this project.
Dom Zangari (deezee@bellsouth.net):
Recommend a toddlers park fenced in and entrance/only with a child. Include slides, swings, bars, benches and perhaps a shuffle board lane for grandpas.
(jenniscooking@bellsouth.net):
While I would like to see the property used as a open air theatre, I have to remind us all that there is a place like this that sits empty most days and nights in downtown Eau Gallie, right over the bridge. If the city or another organization would commit to scheduling activities there, so it is utilized regularly, I would go along wholeheartedly. We have wonderful music and art programs in our schools, yet rarely do citizens go to concerts and plays in an air-conditioned theatre. What makes us think that these same citizens would come outdoors into the "elements" to see or hear those same groups? How about a beautiful City Hall? A meeting place for City Council, committees and groups which showcases all the beauty of Satellite Beach and would serve to welcome and educate visitors and residents alike. Sounds good to me!
Majel Legters (mlegters@cfl.rr.com):
We know what we don't want--more high density units!
We thought it would be nice if you had some free (at your own risk) parking for RV's, boats, campers, and work trucks that the town has made so hard to keep on your own property. If you are a resident, it would be available for a certain number of weeks/months per item on a first come-first serve basis.
Also, it could be used as a place to sell cars/boats (like we used to be able to do at Food Lion/Kash and Karry parking lot. Again, at your own risk. The town could help people instead of regulate them to death.
Suzanne Higginson (ispionyu@earthlink.net):
I was thinking of an artist conclave. 1. We could have small huts that artists could use to make and show their goods, and, if built right for hurricanes, maybe could be collapsed in the face of one. Other than that, we could again have the small working places, with apartments built above them. Can't collapse them, so they would have to be
built stronger. We surely have enough artists in our area and this could be a neat thing.
I do think any ideas regarding using the Peg Legs space for artists, musicians, or even planting gardens are all wonderful. What about an outdoor movie??
Sean and Amanda Denny (iiluvitalianboys@aol.com):
We recently observed the sign on the Southwest corner of Desoto parkway and SR A1A asking our opinions on how that property would best serve the city of Satellite Beach. After much thought it is our recommendation that the land be used to enhance our town with bringing back a Dairy Queen. We understand that this lot space is much larger then the space a Dairy Queen would take up, and were thinking of possibilities that could be put into that space that would enhance our beloved beachside community. We would really love to see something fun be put in, like a put-put golf course, or anything else that would give the younger crowd a place to enjoy themselves besides the beach. But our focus was mainly pointed at the Dairy Queen idea. Currently, there is no place in Satellite Beach to go for ice cream. This idea greatly excited us and we are quite eager to jump right on the idea and contact you about it. We would greatly appreciate it if you would consider our recommendation and get back to us as soon as possible.
Phil Gerace (PJGBLG@aol.com):
Wow, lots of good inputs. I'm glad I read them. I am starting to agree with those that feel we should sell the property and use the money to buy a larger lot that can be used for recreational purposes. It is too close to A1A and traffic is a problem. Anything that close to the beach would require a lot of maintenance. How about a Community aquatic center? I for one would like to see some Bocce courts.
(Walk2er@aol.com):
I have to agree with the idea of a small Dairy Queen or some type of small business that the public could enjoy. No high rise structures please.
Christine Neilson, Holy Name of Jesus Middle School (cneilson@hnj.org):
Our Holy Name of Jesus students are good citizens. We have been discussing the request of the City of Satellite Beach and what to do with this beautiful lot. Following please find the suggestions of some of our students.
1. Butterfly Garden
2. Police Officer Memorial and Park
3. Children's Memorial
4. Holocaust Remembrance Park
5. Glass Aviary with opening at the top
6. Recreation area with large tiki pavilion built by the Seminoles
7. Persian Gulf War Memorial
8. Pearl Harbor Memorial
9. Japanese Gardens
10. Meditative Gardens
11. Geography Center representing all of the continents
12. Astronaut Memorial
13. Observatory/Planetarium
14. Wildlife Preserve
15. Bird Sanctuary
16. Brevard History Museum
17. Zoo
18. Miniature/put-put golf
19. Nature Preserve
20. Veterans Park
21. Hurricane Memorial Park/Pond
22. Aquarium
23. Asian Cultural Center
24. Park with a lot of trees because we need them on A1A
25. Park with copies of World Landmarks -- Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, etc.
Gerald Heyes, Sea Turtle Preservation Society, P.O. Box 510988, Melbourne, FL 32951:
We here, at the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, have become aware of the City of Satellite Beach's request for idea, relating to the use of the former Peg Leg's property.
We would like to suggest the idea that the property could be used for a Sea Turtle Learning Center, which would include an office for the Sea Turtle Preservation Society as well as a meeting room that would be available for use by other groups in addition to the Society. A simple building with a minimize size of 2,000 would probably be sufficient.
The Sea Turtle Preservation Society would be in a position to furnish the Learning Center with the necessary displays, as well as staff the center, six days a week.
If you feel that this would be a worthwhile endeavor for the City of Satellite Beach, we would be happy to discuss this further with you.
Robert Kansas (herokansas@bellsouth.net):
1. Basketball practice court
2. Playground for tots with swings, slides, monkeybars
3. 3 or 4 tables for family picnics, with trees for shade on south and west
4. Trees around the perimeter
(Butter3296@aol.com):
What was the purpose in buying the property to begin with? There are plenty of parks for recreational use. That is a very visible, high traffic count corner lot which would be very desirous for some business bringing good, services to the community. Go to bid to developers with ideas and sell back to them giving Satellite Beach more tax revenue. Learn the lesson that it is probably NOT a good idea to purchase for the sake of purchasing just because you can and then are without a
gameplan.
Carol Robitschek (crobitsc@cfl.rr.com):
Wow! How amazing it was to read about all of the good and solid ideas for the Peg Legs property. The property was bought with the idea that it would be used to
serve the citizens of Satellite Beach. In my mind it does not make sense for us to sell it for less than we paid for it.
I’ve heard two people suggest community gardens. They had the knowledge and were willing to help design the gardens. It would be an easy way to keep the property green. When the city has a need for the property it will be available.
What I love best about Satellite Beach is that we are a smart, thinking community who looks into the future and makes good decisions that benefit all residents.
Thank you – Ad Hoc Committee for the city-wide mail out telling about the Town Meeting on Saturday, April 14 th , and for creating a way for citizens to give input via our City’s Web Site.
Judy Houser (Judy_Houser@doh.state.fl.us):
I cannot come to the town meeting on Saturday, but wanted to share my thoughts. I believe the east side of A1A should be preserved with parks and views of the ocean. I am in total agreement with those trying to preserve the quality of family life, recreational options and the environment.
The west side of A1A needs to sport responsible growth and development. Although some of the west side of A1A has had a facelift, the majority needs vast improvement. A lot of it is old, rundown, demolished by the hurricane and in need of new life.
I cannot tell you how much my family, my friends and many neighbors have missed Dairy Queen since the summer of the storms. It would be wonderful to use the property on A1A and Desoto for a Dairy Queen. Another idea is a Chik-Fil-A. This parcel of land is definitely big enough to support either of these businesses or another chain that is not already on the beach.
I work mainland all week. When I come over the causeway on Friday night, I do not want to leave again until Monday. Let's put business into Satellite Beach, so that I do not have to!
Margaret Ringhoff (mringhoff@juno.com):
I have not been able to attend any of the meetings, so I am not sure of the general trend of ideas being presented.
Our family would love to see an outdoor lap swim pool for the community as part of the recreation program.
Margaret Ringhoff (mringhoff@juno.com):
I would just like to add that it should be something that serves and enhances the existing community and NOT multifamily housing or a condo, or, two story junkie tourist stores.
John Bellotte (johnbellotte@bellsouth.net):
As a concerned citizen of this area I am very interested in the status of the Peg
Legs property. I read most of the emails and there are some interesting proposals. A couple really make sense. a. Making the property a landscaped parking lot with an elevated walkway to the beach side. b. Using the property for a small park. An elevated walkway would apply here also. c. Use the property for a city building police station or substation, other city offices and information center.
There was one email that sited the empty buildings along A1A with for sale signs. I think this email should be heeded. A commercial effort here would be destined for failure. You have the new Lowes shopping center just to the south and a large, successful shopping center just to the north. An apartment or condo that close to A1A would not too desirable with the no view of the ocean and lots of traffic going by at all hours. I also don't believe a windmill for electricity production would be a site that the citizens would appreciate.
Chris Colston (ccolston@cfl.rr.com):
I stated my position when I applied for the ad hoc committee....WAIT. Let the property be vacant for awhile, it's not hurting anything just being
there. The real estate market is DOWN, especially the condo market.
The property has NO A-1-A access and access from Desoto is not really traffic friendly. There are enough "near misses" getting in and out of CVS.
I do not understand the rush for a use. I want to see growth in the City, but responsible growth.
I like the idea of the City having a facility on the property and not just being a LANDlord or creating a land lease. An information center or Welcome
Center would work well there. Something ALL of the citizens of the city could use and benefit from, not just another retail space, we have enough of
that and plenty of vacant available property along A-1-A now to satisfy any other retail need.
I can not attend the meeting, so hopefully this will get to whomever needs to read it.
Betsy Vosburgh (brevardevents@cfl.rr.com):
I too will be unable to attend Saturday's meeting as I will be out of town but I agree with Chris: Why rush this?? There are a lot of other pressing
issues on the City Agenda and I think a cooling off period would benefit all concerned.
Christine L. Ecker (CEcker@aol.com):
After reading all the other ideas, some of which I think are quite worthwhile, I would like add my voice that there be
no rush in making a decision regarding the old Peg Leg's property. I do not like the idea of the property being exchanged or sold for less than what was paid, and I'm not particularly happy with the "exchange" ideas that have been proposed. If this property is needed for the tax roles, why wouldn't any other property, complete with office building(s) or bank, be necessary as well? Why rush into a decision??? Property values have dropped since this parcel was purchased; why not hold the space as green space until the property can be sold for its
full value for whatever development may ensue. That being said, I am in favor of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society locating on that particular parcel, and I also like Cameron Kyvik's idea for an environmental center. There are a lot of things for which we can use that particular property. The point is, WE DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A QUICK DECISION. We are a beach community; let's do something that will enhance the appearance of our community.
M P Verbenia (sbkeepitsimple@hotmail.com):
To my knowledge, the city currently does not have any identified need for increased space required for city administration to conduct city business.
Therefore, I recommend that this space be utilized to represent the spirit of our city -- laid back and neighborly -- with a primary focus on our
residents. Our surrounding ciities seem to have a handle on increasing commercial properties and mid-rise condominiums. Satellite should continue
to differentiate our city from those surrounding us.
With that, I echo many others' recommendation for a small park.....not to be confused with a playground... my vision would be somewhat like Cocoa Village
where the area would be nicely landscaped (maybe use some of those trees from the tree grant program) --- various sidewalks "cutting" thru the
landscaping with benches scattered periodically (and garbage cans).... the area would be fenced - in order to secure children from wandering onto A1A
as well as for needs of surrounding properties.... possibly a gazebo which could be used for periodic small "concerts in the park" or wedding
ceremonies/pictures.... dogs would be allowed (much like IHB park - owners responsible for picking up waste).....
Thank you for your time and consideration. Good luck.
Chris Colston (ccolston@cfl.rr.com):
I stated my position when I applied for the ad hoc committee.... WAIT. Let the property be vacant for awhile, it's not hurting anything just being
there. The real estate market is DOWN, especially the condo market.
The property has NO A-1-A access and access from Desoto is not really traffic friendly. There are enough "near misses" getting in and out of CVS.
I do not understand the rush for a use. I want to see growth in the City, but responsible growth.
I like the idea of the City having a facility on the property and not just being a
LAND lord or creating a land lease. An information center or Welcome center would work well there. Something
ALL of the citizens of the city could use and benefit from, not just another retail space, we have enough of that and plenty of vacant available property along A-1-A now to satisfy any other retail need. It could be manned by volunteers, so it wouldn't cost the city any additional personnel costs. The local retailers and restaurants could contribute to the upkeep as a "fee" for including their advertising.
I can not attend the meeting, so hopefully this will get to whomever needs to read it.
Rhoda Bosley (rhodadon@earthlink.net):
The Peg Legs Property was bought by the SatBch council, using local tax payers' money. I do not think that local government should get into the real estate business, especially with no plans for what to do with the property in the future.
However now that we have the property, here are some ideas for its use:
1) Perkins restaurant on A1A has been closed due to hurricane damage - could some arrangement be made to "swap" land, or sell
Peg Legs to Perkins? Then the old building could be razed and beachside parking and facilities could be extended there. It is a popular spot for locals to enter the beach - the traffic lights make entry safe, a crossover is already built, water is on hand. Perkins could then rebuild on the
Peg Legs site, if they wished to, as zoning is already approved for a restaurant there.
2) There are other small businesses on A1A beachside, which do not make use of the beach - could there be some arrangements to move these to the inland
Peg Legs site and open up the beachside land to parking and beach access?
3) The old Pourbaugh mini strip mall (opposite The Dove) could be offered the
Peg Legs site, in exchange for their beachside land, where a board walk, parking, water, toilets etc would open up the property to the public and be a pleasant improvement. The restaurants and other businesses would be enhanced by having new, clean and attractive premises and would have even better prominence on the A1A/Desoto corner. Perhaps a 2 storied building could include offices on the top floor for increased usage. The development of the site should be done commercially.
4) The site could be sold to a developer, with the proviso that a Senior Living complex be built there - many seniors who sell their beachside homes, would like to remain in the area, but presently have to move over to Melbourne. This site, opposite a Pharmacy and store, not far from the library, with traffic lights to cross A1A, could be made a very pleasant amenity.
5) I do not think that the size of the land and its position are suitable for another park, playground, sports complex , parking lot or information center etc.
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to have input into the future development of our town.
Steve & Renee Maley (steve@worldwideadventures.com):
What seems to be to be the best use of that parcel would be to build a new updated police station as it would be a much better placement. I often drive the back way from Cassia to our home on Ellwood & have seen officers responding to calls that have been required to accelerate thru the residential neighborhoods to get to the main artery of A1A.
If a new updated station was built on that parcel it would then alleviate that issue and give the officers better response times to the areas that have the most issues (heavy traveled
thoroughfare of A1A).
Once the new police station is completed the old station could be torn down and then THAT parcel used for a new park & green areas which would then be adjacent to the existing ball field.
That seems like a win/win for our community as we would have new updated police facilities for a police force that has proven to the be one of the best in the state and would allow us to then use the old station property for residental park use for all of our citizens.
Georgia Germond (Msgeorgia132@cs.com):
This is Georgia Germond. I live here in Satellite Beach and own a business here locally. My business is Little House of Music. I work with children and am into education for both children and adults. I think A1A and Desoto Pkwy would be an ideal location for a casual, educational museum teaching children and adults all the exciting information on seashells, beach birds, beach glass, beach rocks, the tides and why they change, all the magic of our wonderful ocean. I collect beach glass and seashells and my students are constantly wanting more information about the seashells and other "treasures" I find. So few children have any knowledge of sea turtles and what to do if you find a baby sea turtle or information on what to do if a jelly fish stings them. The list of possibilities goes on and on. There is no museum like this in on the coast of Brevard that I am aware of. A museum that offers exhibits and information on our sea animals, shells, etc., would not only make a great tourist attraction, but would also be a wonderful asset to our community. We could have donations from our community not only monetary but also items that people of Satellite Beach have found on the beaches to fill the museum. An admission fee could be charged to pay for the building. Each child who visits the museum could receive a shell or piece of beach glass to keep as a treasured item or a neat shell box to keep the beach treasures they find. As a suggestion the museum could be named "The Satellite Beach Gallery of Beach Treasures."
(TomLinBake@aol.com):
C COLSTON IS ON TARGET, LETS NOT RUSH THIS PROJECT. WAIT AND SEE.
MAYBE WE COULD USE A NEW POLICE STATION.
Robert Lindsay (rflindsay@hotmail.com):
Satellite Beach needs to upgrade its image in any way it can. While it is attractive right now, it lacks a certain style that cities like Melbourne Beach and Indialantic have undertaken to present. A good first impression on A1A would be a good start. Given the size of the property, its proximity to A1A, the lighted intersection with
Desoto, and the needs of Satellite Beach residents I recommend the property have a community center built on it. This would be a supplement to the Pelican Park A-frame and could be considerably larger and better laid out. The building could house a Chamber of Commerce office, or police substation, as well as provide a much needed function center for public gatherings. The landscape could showcase naturally occurring vegetation to minimize maintenance costs, and parking would be an added benefit for beachgoers. Revenue from special events ought to be enough to cover costs.
Bonnie Chatterton (bchatterton@cfl.rr.com):
Thank you for allowing the citizens of Satellite Beach to give input as to the use of the Peg Leg’s property. I am proud to live in a community that puts its residents’ wants and needs on the priority list!
I would like to suggest that this parcel be used as a park for physically impaired children. There are several websites that provide equipment and ideas for the development of such a park. My favorite is
www.treehouses.org, which is a company that offers “treeless” tree houses that provide accessibility to the tree house feeling for all children. Their desire is to have “a tree house in every state by 2008”. Other good websites are
www.boundlessplaygrounds.org or
www.outsidetoyspro.com. We could also design areas within the park to engage sensory impaired children.
The fact that this property is right on A1A would mean that handicapped children from neighboring communities could come and enjoy the setting as well. This would be an added perk!
Let me add that I do not support any action that would allow this property to be used commercially. This corner is actively used by young people crossing on foot or bicycle to use the beach access for surfing, and the traffic that would be generated by a convenience store or similar commercial enterprise would create a dangerous situation for all concerned.
Again, I appreciate the opportunity to give my input!
Molly Reed, age 13 (thereeds@cfl.rr.com):
I have a couple of ideas-
One of my ideas is to have a Lighthouse as a Satellite Beach landmark and at the bottom of the light house there would be a fun
restaurant and maybe even a small gift shop that sold souvenirs from Satellite Beach and The Light House.
Another idea is an Amphitheater so that Satellite Beach residents can enjoy a fun afternoon listening to cool music and can eat barbeque and spend time with there families and friends, while the beach is just across the street.
My final idea is a small park and shuffle boards.
John Fergus (jhfergus@bellsouth.net):
Please add the attached letter to those already provided concerning use of the subject property.
Thank you.
Ltr To ad hoc Committee w attachments (Apr 07).doc (Word document, 706K. If you do not have Microsoft Word, click here to download the free Word viewer program.)
Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com):
Dear City Officials and Members of the A1A/Desoto Ad Hoc Committee,
As you've probably already heard, I am encouraging you to consider a Community Center and other types of public use for the former Peg
Legs / Corinthian property.
My rationale has been explained at the various meetings, and will be documented in writing as soon as possible. If you would ever like to
discuss this further in person, please feel free to contact me.
For now, I wanted to provide you with the images I was talking about at last Saturday's Town Hall meeting.
I asked a friend in California who does drafting work to put together a quick concept drawing to help visualize a two-building community
center with amphitheater and greenspace in between. After one very long night of work, he sent the images that are attached.
Some comments about the images:
1) Obviously they are not Florida Vernacular or Mediterranean; the designer simply used California-style models and templates already
available on his computer. To repeat, the purpose was simply to get a visualization of how this might fit.
Aluminum roof with skylighting like Paradise Properties would look very nice here. I recommend Florida Veracular to complement Ray
Featherhoff's house across the street. This is Florida, after all... ;)
2) The amphitheater faces toward the northeast, so sound is directed toward the most open area: CVS, Pelican Beach, the intersection and
condo. (Diagonal provides the most distance for sound dissipation.)
3) The second-floor portions would contain a banquet room in each building. Whether they occupy the entire floor or only a portion can
be decided later. The intent was that each banquet center would have a patio/balcony area looking toward the ocean and Pelican Beach Park;
that balcony space and the stairways leading to it also provide a view of the bandshell stage. The other space could serve the myriad
public-use ideas (museum, etc...) that have been proposed.
4) There could be a few parking spaces on Palm Drive, but very few; perhaps only for employees, or better yet, bicycle-only parking. NO
traffic entrance from the Desoto side; this sidewalk must be kept pedestrian-friendly! A row of low hedges along the entire north side
sidewalk would beautify the area and protect pedestrians.
The parking entrance should be adjacent to the Cafe O'Beach entrance; cars are already slowing down to use that entrance. If more spaces
are necessary, the south building could be shortened to allow for more parking on the south end.
If we are trying to promote a "walkable, pedestrian-friendly community" we might not include as many parking spaces as would
normally be present on similar buildings. Logically, if the city does not have to comply with its own sign ordinances, could a municipal
building be exempted from the city's parking codes as well? If not, could a new zoning category be created to allow less parking? Yes,
this conflicts with large-capacity banquet space; a creative solution will be required here.
5) The space behind the buildings could double as water retention and the public garden. Shielded from the prevailing winds and salt spray,
those sides would be more plant-friendly, light permitting.
This type of community center would be a wonderful addition to the city. I recommend this corner over other lots in the city because of
the signalized A1A pedestrian crossing and the amount of pedestrian traffic there. It could also serve as the anchor of a small,
low-intensity town-center prototype occupying the area from Sunrise to Pelican Beach.
I hope you are open to considering this, and I hope the images are helpful in visualizing what can be done there. This would make an
ideal signature project with the city's name and logo all over it (i.e., adorning the bandshell arch, etc...)
My sincere thanks for your consideration.
David Omler (davidomler@cfl.rr.com):
After attending all of the Ad-Hoc committee meetings to date concerning this property, I feel that the City should be left to finish what they started as this has become a divisive issue amongst the citizens. Rezone the property to exclude the businesses that would not be appropriate for the community and A1A. Incorporate some of the ideas that have been put forward in these meetings and then sell it when the market returns to a more favorable position.
The city currently owns a number of parks and other land that could be used to build some of the suggestions put forward. There is no need to purchase additional lands when there are sufficient sites
available. This site needs to be returned to the commercial market, studies have shown that we need more commercial areas to have a viable community.
David Omler (davidomler@cfl.rr.com):
I would like to expand my idea as to what should be done with the A1A and Desoto property. Rezone it to eliminate the undesirable uses and then sell. With the proceeds lets start funding the underground utilities along A1A. This would be the best use of the money. How may citizens and businesses where effected during the storms having no electricity for days and days? What was the monetary impact on citizens and businesses during this time? How many of the lives of our seniors were put in jeopardy who depend on electricity to run medical equipment? Would it not be nice to eliminate as much of that scenario as possible and really put redevelopment money to work?
John Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com):
Idea submitted in the following PDF file: PegLegs_Letter1.pdf
(884kb. Click here
to download the free
Acrobat reader.)
McGee, Kathy (Kathy.McGee@jacobs.com):
We have owned a condo in Satellite Beach for 1 1/2 yrs near Berkeley Road where the old abandoned Perkins Restaurant is. The “Park” parking lot as well as the old Perkins parking lot is always full on the weekends where the beach access is.
Why not sell the Peg Leg property to be used for a unique local restaurant, Dairy Queen, or Art shop, and use the funds to purchase the property that the Perkins restaurant sits on, so that the park can be enlarged for more people to enjoy. Who wants to go to a park on the west side of A1A (Peg Leg Prop.) when you can go to a park on the east side and enjoy the ocean breezes and the beautiful views.
Mark Ebner (designsurfaces@bellsouth.net):
In my opinion, the Peg Leg's property should never be sold for Commercial Development. The City of Satellite Beach is growing in population and in the future will need more space for Police and Fire departments. The Police department has room to expand on the property where they are located. The Peg Leg's property would be a perfect location for a new & larger Fire Department. I believe the people of Satellite Beach would also have a faster response time with the use of A1A. The Fire Department property would be a perfect place for a new park with access to Sampson Island, amphitheater, or just green space. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion.
Mickie Solari (Solarmudd@aol.com):
We're not residents of Satellite Beach, but have lived in North Waterway, South Patrick Shores for 31 years, and Satellite Beach is Home.
All the ideas printed in The Orbiter were very good. I'll tell you what I'd hate to see built on the property: another condo/office complex/apartment. The whole county is overflowing with them, now. The City has been very smart in the past to buy and preserve a lot of beach footage. Don't stop being smart. Listen to your residents!!!
Tammy Enos (tenos@cfl.rr.com):
First, I do not think selling the land is in the interest of all who live in Satellite
Beach. The idea of a museum used to educate, and preserve our historical objects is the only answer!!
I think the Sea Turtle Society Should also become apart of the Museum. The idea of selling Satellite Beach souvenirs to promote the education of our children and residents is a wonderful idea.
I believe this issue should be put on the ballot and let our residents decide, not the city council.
Cathleen Snow, Capt., USAFR (Cathleen.Snow@rescue920.patrick.af.mil ):
Would love to see this property utilized as a park or something along the lines of recreation. There's already too much housing and enough businesses. A small water park (don't know if there's enough space for that though). Something that would be awesome, but would bring tourists in, is a Discovery Cove type of place where you can swim with the dolphins and learn about the sea turtles and other Marine life. Or if that's impossible a dedication to sea turtles.
Hope that helps.
Donn Harding (Donn.Harding@patrick.af.mil):
Public Park: If no other park in town is dedicated to armed service vets, than I vote
for that.
If the beach park or another is already dedicated to vets, then dedicate this one to Satellite Beach police department.
Joyce Miller (joymmg@gmail.com):
I have been a resident of Satellite Beach for 30 years. We do not need any more public buildings along A1A. There are plenty of beach parks already that are not very aesthetic or nature friendly with paved parking lots and wooden structures. We do not need to "Pave paradise to put up a parking lot" as the lyrics of a popular song bemoan. I agree with everyone that would like to see a green space, Japanese Garden, shaded benches, trees, flowers, pond, something environmentally friendly. Please do not sell it for yet another commercial project. We are all so grateful to the women of Satellite Beach that purchased the beach property along A1A so we can still see the sun rise in the morning as we drive to work along A1A. Plant some native trees and flora for all to enjoy.
John Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com):
Dear Members of the Ad Hoc Committee:
Of the 64 emails that have been posted on this site as of Sunday May 13, they came from 60 unique email addresses (Johnson, Omler, Colston, "jetsam" sent two), representing 61 distinct suggestions.
I attempted to classify them according to 5 broad categories, with the results as follows:
... 34/61 = 55.74% for "Community Use"
... 09/61 = 14.75% for "Municipal Use"
... 05/61 = 8.20% for "Hold Property"
... 04/61 = 6.56% for "Sell & use proceeds for other community benefit"
... 09/61 = 14.75% for "Sell for private development"
A majority of the public comments on this site clearly supports public use of the Peg Legs property for community benefit.
Several of the "Municipal Use" replies also implied a community benefit, while another category indicated a desire for community benefit via the proceeds from selling Peg Legs. Many of the
respondents explicitly stated opposition to commercial development.
This echoes the trend of public comments from the April 14 Town Hall meeting (minutes available at
http://www.satellitebeach.org/boards/a1a/Ad%20Hoc%2004-14-07.doc):
... 11/19 = 57.89% for "Community Use"
... 02/19 = 10.53% for "Municipal Use"
... 02/19 = 10.53% for "Hold Property"
... 04/19 = 21.05% for Commercial Development
Why didn't the ad hoc committee's seven votes at the May 3 meeting reflect the public input they have collected?
Motion #1: Rezone & sell: PASSED 8-1
Motion #2: Rezone & swap for other property: PASSED 8-1
Motion #3: Hold as greenspace for now, analyze for municipal needs: FAILED 2-7
Motion #4: Issue RFP's for Public/Not-for-profit partnership: PASSED 9-0
Motion #5: Retain & develop for public/community use: FAILED 3-6
Motion #6: Issue RFP's for Public/Private partnership, allowing property to be sold at a loss if targeted for a
"desirable use": PASSED 7-2
Motion #7: Add a comment to their "excluded uses list" indicating that they did listen to public comment, did hear the public's request for "a park" and did not ignore it, but only voted to exclude it because it did not seem feasible: PASSED 8-1
The only thing positive to come out of these votes was the agreement that the property should be rezoned to avoid undesirable uses. The note added to Motion #7 was a self-serving attempt to save face after failing to pass one citizen-friendly motion.
The committee has thus far, in my opinion, failed to achieve two of the most important directions given to them at the outset: 1) Gather (and respect) public input; 2) Think outside the box.
I urge the committee to review what they have and have not accomplished before presenting their final recommendations to CRAAC/CRA; please consider another vote on Motion #5 so that a highly-supported public use may be included among the final recommendations.
For the committee's benefit, here is the list of suggestions, summarized and sorted by use:
Public/Civic/Community/Non-Profit Use (35 total, 34 unique: Johnson sent two)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
#01) Hal Grieb (gmc71v8@yahoo.com): outdoor amphitheater
#03) Jill A. Vogel (jillvog@msn.com): retained by city for green/park educational center or city offices
#09) Sabrina Bethurum (Sabrinareef@aol.com): opposed to selling/trading; would love park / Clubhouse,
#10) Brett Murphy (murfthasurf@yahoo.com): do not sell; Green space with benches; serve citizens as planned.
#11) Stacey Monk (staceybmonk@yahoo.com): incubator for small businesses and/or non-profit organizations
#12) Susan Foley (sfoley@cfl.rr.com): used for citizens; outdoor theatre; do not sell for commercial development.
#13) Marianne Sinclair (MSINCLAIR1@cfl.rr.com): parking lot for the beach with an elevated crossover
#14) Hank and Marilyn Rutkowski (Hanker4@bellsouth.net): small park with benches and swings etc.....
#16) Cameron Kyvik (cameron_kyvik@msn.com): Environmental Center.
#17) Ferris Hillmann (fer_nat@bellsouth.net): place to welcome visitors, learn area history
#19) Debbie Ghalib (debbieghalib@cfl.rr.com): outdoor music and live theater!!!!
#20) Christina LaFortune (christina.lafortune@earthlink.net): multi-use cultural center/performing arts venue; not park, parking, or commercial; turn into something valuable for the community.
#21) William Vance (wvance@cfl.rr.com): Satellite Beach Chamber of Commerce and a Tourist Information office.
#24) Scott & Christine (jetsam@cfl.rr.com): Lighted tennis courts, as many as will fit, for free, public use...
#26) Felder, Epstein, & Fullerton (loisvpc@icdus.com): GREEN THUMB PARK: an educational facility with a pavilion, restrooms, & locked storage area for gardening equipment, etc.
#27) Dom Zangari (deezee@bellsouth.net): toddlers park; include slides, swings, bars, benches and perhaps a shuffle board lane for grandpas.
#28) (jenniscooking@bellsouth.net): open air theatre, City Hall, meeting place
#30) Suzanne Higginson (ispionyu@earthlink.net): artist conclave; small (artist?) working places, with apartments built above them (for the artists?); Space for artists, musicians, or gardens, outdoor movie?
#34) Christine Neilson, Holy Name of Jesus Middle School (cneilson@hnj.org): suggestions of some of our students:
01. Butterfly Garden
02. Police Officer Memorial and Park
03. Children's Memorial
04. Holocaust Remembrance Park
05. Glass Aviary with opening at the top
06. Recreation area with large tiki pavilion built by the Seminoles
07. Persian Gulf War Memorial
08. Pearl Harbor Memorial
09. Japanese Gardens
10. Meditative Gardens
11. Geography Center representing all of the continents
12. Astronaut Memorial
13. Observatory/Planetarium
14. Wildlife Preserve
15. Bird Sanctuary
16. Brevard History Museum
17. Zoo
18. Miniature/put-put golf
19. Nature Preserve
20. Veterans Park
21. Hurricane Memorial Park/Pond
22. Aquarium
23. Asian Cultural Center
24. Park with a lot of trees because we need them on A1A
25. Park with copies of World Landmarks -- Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, etc.
#35) Gerald Heyes, Sea Turtle Preservation Society: Sea Turtle Learning Center + Sea Turtle Preservation Society + meeting room that would be available for use by other groups.
#36) Robert Kansas (herokansas@bellsouth.net):
1. Basketball practice court
2. Playground for tots with swings, slides, monkeybars
3. 3 or 4 tables for family picnics, with trees for shade on south and west
4. Trees around the perimeter
#40 )Margaret Ringhoff (mringhoff@juno.com): outdoor lap swim pool for the community as part of the recreation program.
#41) Margaret Ringhoff (mringhoff@juno.com): something that serves and enhances the existing community and NOT multifamily housing or a condo, or, two story junkie tourist stores.
#42) John Bellotte (johnbellotte@bellsouth.net):
a. A landscaped parking lot with an elevated walkway to the beach side.
b. A small park. An elevated walkway would apply here also.
c. A city building police station or substation, other city offices and information center.
Commercial effort here would be destined for failure. You have the new Lowes shopping center just to the south and a large, successful shopping center just to the north. Not condos or windmills.
#46) M P Verbenia (sbkeepitsimple@hotmail.com): represent the spirit of our city -- laid back and neighborly -- primary focus on residents. Differentiate from cities surrounding us. A small park (not playground) somewhat like Cocoa Village; fenced to keep children from A1A; a gazebo for small "concerts in the park" or wedding ceremonies pictures.
#50) Georgia Germond (Msgeorgia132@cs.com): casual, educational museum teaching children and adults all the exciting information on seashells, beach birds, beach glass, beach rocks, the tides and why they change, all the magic of our wonderful ocean.
#52) Robert Lindsay (rflindsay@hotmail.com): community center to supplement the Pelican Park A-frame (larger and better laid out). Bldg could house a Chamber of Commerce, police substation, function center for public gatherings.
#53) Bonnie Chatterton (bchatterton@cfl.rr.com): a park for physically impaired children; I do not support any action that would allow this property to be used commercially.
#54) Molly Reed, age 13 (thereeds@cfl.rr.com): a Lighthouse as a Satellite Beach landmark, with fun restaurant and small gift/souvenir shop; an Amphitheater so residents can enjoy a fun afternoon listening to cool music and can eat barbeque and spend time with there families and friends; My final idea is a small park and shuffle boards.
#55) John Fergus (jhfergus@bellsouth.net): Civic/municipal use including open/green space; partnership w/ Sea Turtle Preservation Society and other non-profits; no need to rush; NOT a restaurant, not commercial, no trade w/ Paradise Properties.
#56) Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com): Community Center with Clubhouse, amphitheater, meeting rooms, fountains and green campus w/ benches & picnic tables; awesome potential for community use.
#59) John Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com): (no new ideas, just more explanation of finance/tax issues)
#62) Mickie Solari (Solarmudd@aol.com): NOT another condo/office complex/apartment. The City has been very smart in the past to buy and preserve a lot of beach footage. Don't stop being smart. Listen to your residents!!!
#63) Tammy Enos (tenos@cfl.rr.com): Selling the land is not in the interest of all who live in Satellite Beach. A museum to educate, and preserve our historical objects is the only answer!! The Sea Turtle Society should also become apart of the Museum. Put on the ballot and let our residents decide, not the city council.
#64) Cathleen Snow, Capt., USAFR (Cathleen.Snow@rescue920.patrick.af.mil ): a park or other recreation. A small water park; A Discovery Cove type of place where you can swim with the dolphins and learn about the sea turtles and other Marine life. Or if that's impossible a dedication to sea turtles.
Municipal Use (9 total, 9 unique: Scott/Christine also had a vote above)
-------------
#02) Steven Harp (stevenharp@gmail.com): NOT SOLD FOR PUBLIC USE OF ANY KIND. Prefer Police Substation
#04) Christopher Bearden (cbearden1@cfl.rr.com): Alternative Energy Park
#07) Elizabeth Walsh (eelizabethwalsh@hotmail.com): retain for water retention; NOT retail or commercial development.
#08) David and Sandy Henninger (sunnysandy713@bellsouth.net): parking lot for the beach.
#15) Steve Munafo (SteveMunafo@aol.com): new police station would be nice.
#18) Scott & Christine (jetsam@cfl.rr.com): oppose commercial use; favor beach parking, city-operated mini-golf
#25) Chris Galli (cgalli@iNetUSA.com): I agree C. Bearden -- Windmill Park.
#29) Majel Legters (mlegters@cfl.rr.com): NOT high density units! Free parking for RV's, boats, campers, work trucks
#49) Steve & Renee Maley (steve@worldwideadventures.com): new updated police station; old station could be torn down and used for a new park & green areas adjacent to the existing ball field.
Hold until ... (6 total, 5 unique: Colston had a duplicate)
--------------------------
#38) Carol Robitschek (crobitsc@cfl.rr.com): property was bought with the idea that it would serve the citizens; does not make sense to sell it for less than we paid; community gardens...keep property green until city needs it.
#43) Chris Colston (ccolston@cfl.rr.com): WAIT. Leave vacant for awhile; I like a City facility on the property and not just being a LANDlord or creating a land lease. An information center or Welcome Center would work well there. Something ALL of the citizens of the city could use and benefit from, not just another retail space...
#44) Betsy Vosburgh (brevardevents@cfl.rr.com): Why rush this?? Wait, hold for cooling off period.
#45) Christine L. Ecker (CEcker@aol.com): no rush on decision; do not exchange or sell for less than paid; hold as green space until it can be sold for its full value for whatever development may ensue; favor Sea Turtle Preservation Society, environmental center.
#47) Chris Colston (ccolston@cfl.rr.com): (repeat of #43)
#51) (TomLinBake@aol.com): DO NOT RUSH THIS PROJECT. WAIT AND SEE. MAYBE WE COULD USE A NEW POLICE STATION.
Sell & Use Funds for other Community Benefit (4 total, 4 unique)
----------------------------------------------------------------
#05) Darrin Vigliotti (dvigliot@harris.com): sell @ profit, collect tax, buy larger piece to benefit more people
#23) Susan Melton (melton@sopris.net): IF sold, use the funds to build more tennis courts at DeSoto complex
#32) Phil Gerace (PJGBLG@aol.com): sell and use the money to buy a larger lot recreational purposes. How about a Community aquatic center? I for one would like to see some Bocce courts.
#61) Mark Ebner (designsurfaces@bellsouth.net): Peg Leg's property should never be sold for Commercial Development. Use to expand Police and Fire departments. Use Fire Department property for a new park with access to Sampson Island, amphitheater, or just green space.
Sell for Private Development, Return to Tax Rolls (10 total, 9 unique: two from Omler)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#06) Theresa & John Lundgren (j.lundgren@earthlink.net): sell for commercial development
#22) Lynn Price (lrpricepa@yahoo.com): build a new Peg Leg's; not another condo
#31) Sean and Amanda Denny (iiluvitalianboys@aol.com): Dairy Queen; something fun put-put golf course, or anything else that would give the younger crowd a place to enjoy themselves besides the beach.
#33) (Walk2er@aol.com): small Dairy Queen or small business that public could enjoy. No high rise structures please.
#37) (Butter3296@aol.com): Go to bid to developers with ideas and sell back to them giving Satellite Beach more tax revenue.
#39) Judy Houser (Judy_Houser@doh.state.fl.us): west side of A1A needs responsible growth and development; Dairy Queen, Chik-Fil-A, or another chain that is not already on the beach.
#48) Rhoda Bosley (rhodadon@earthlink.net):
1) "swap" land, or sell Peg Legs to Perkins?
2) Move beachside businesses to Peg Legs site, open up more beach access and parking
3) Pourbaugh mini strip mall (Sun on the Beach) could exchange Peg Legs for their beachside land, where a board walk, parking, water, toilets etc would open up the property to the public; Perhaps a 2 storied building could include offices on the top floor for increased usage. The development of the site should be done commercially.
4) Sell to a developer with proviso that a Senior Living complex be built there;
5) Not suitable for another park, playground, sports complex, parking lot or information center etc.
#57) David Omler (davidomler@cfl.rr.com): Rezone to exclude the businesses that would not be appropriate for the community and A1A. Incorporate some of the ideas that have been put forward in these meetings and then sell it when the market returns to a more favorable position. This site needs to be returned to the commercial market.
#58) David Omler (davidomler@cfl.rr.com): Rezone to eliminate undesirable uses and then sell. Use proceeds to underground utilities along A1A.
#60) McGee, Kathy (Kathy.McGee@jacobs.com): Sell the Peg Leg property to be used for a unique local restaurant, Dairy Queen, or Art shop, and use the funds to purchase the property that the Perkins restaurant sits on.
(elane60mph@bellsouth.net):
Satellite Beach has been a city that many desire to be a part of because of our long-term commitment to be a community of and for the people while protecting and encouraging the future of our environment.
Regarding this property, the majority of the people who have spoken out have reflected that we want our city to retain ownership of this property and for it to be developed as a low impact environmental/educational project that provides enrichment and entertainment to the citizens and community of Satellite Beach, for the people.
The city's committees and CRA have an opportunity to "redevelop" Satellite Beach while preserving the unique hometown personality we, the people of Satellite Beach, are proud of and love.
There are enough multi-level buildings/housing/mixed use projects all around us.
Let's be a place to catch your breath.
Paul Armstrong (armspta2@wmconnect.com):
Please do not get into the real estate business. Sell the property and return the proceeds to the tax rolls. Thanks for listening.
Georgia Germond (Msgeorgia132@cs.com):
This is Georgia Germond that has already sent in an idea for a "Sea Treasure and Learning Gallery." I read an article in the newspaper from a Sea Turtle Preservation Society member which I am also a member of. I think their idea and mine would go hand in hand and would be very beneficial to our area and our endangered friends the sea turtles. I am for any idea that is all about learning about our beautiful ocean and sea creatures, shells, reefs, rocks, birds to name a few. I will be more than happy to help with donations if you decide to go in this direction. Good Luck at the meeting.
H. Rutkowski (hanker4@bellsouth.net):
If a park doesn't make sense at this locale...I think another Peg Legs type restaurant
would be great ... I think our politicians screwed up when they forced the old Peg Legs out of
business.......
John Mark Johnson (jjohnson51@cfl.rr.com):
Document submitted in the following PDF file: PegLegs_Letter2.pdf
(44kb. Click here
to download the free
Acrobat reader.)
Sabrina Bethurum (Sabrinareef@aol.com):
Again, I would like to stress that this property needs to be retained for community use.
So many great ideas have come forth from citizens that it reminds me why we chose Satellite Beach in the first place.
I hope that our governmental bodies here in the city will adequately hear and act to represent the people.
If not, it will be disturbing and disappointing to witness the views of so many people being ignored.
We have a unique opportunity with this land. Creativity, vision, and cooperation can bring us together, set an example for our children, and produce a fine asset for us to enjoy.
Steve & Renee Maley (steve@worldwideadventures.com):
Satellite Beach Council
I received this letter which is widely being distributed among our citizens and if this is correct then we are appalled.
As the May 3, 2007 minutes have not yet been posted on the SB.org website I am writing this under the assumption that this letter I received is correct, if it is not correct and the committee did NOT vote against utilizing the property for the best use of the citizens of Satellite Beach to which many of us have requested then I apologize in advance..
If this letter is accurate then the Satellite Beach city council has voted AGAINST the will of
its citizens and has terribly let down the citizens of our fair community regardless of our opinions, shame on you for asking for our input "simply as a ruse" and then not taking our overwhelming community directives and desires to heart as to the utilization of the property.
----------
Dear Fellow Citizen,
You are receiving this email because you either expressed a "community-friendly" suggestion for future use of the Peg Legs property, or you might wish to attend this Thursday's meeting.
The A1A ad hoc committee, to whom most of you e-mailed suggestions, was encouraged to "think outside the box" and collect public input. They have collected at least 61 unique public comments via their web site, heard at least 19 at the Town Hall meeting, and have heard others at their regular meetings.
At their May 3rd meeting, they voted against the majority of public comments and great ideas for community use, instead voting for options that would turn the property over to other parties. Of the 64 emails that have been posted on this site as of Sunday May 13, they came from 60 unique email addresses (Johnson, Omler, Colston, "jetsam" sent two), representing 61 distinct suggestions.
I attempted to classify them according to 5 broad categories, with the results as follows:
... 34/61 = 55.74% for "Community Use"
... 09/61 = 14.75% for "Municipal Use"
... 05/61 = 8.20% for "Hold Property"
... 04/61 = 6.56% for "Sell & use proceeds for other community benefit"
... 09/61 = 14.75% for "Sell for private development"
A majority of the public comments on this site clearly supports public use of the Peg Legs property for community benefit.
Several of the "Municipal Use" replies also implied a community benefit, while another category indicated a desire for community benefit via the proceeds from selling Peg Legs. Many of the
respondents explicitly stated opposition to commercial development.
This echoes the trend of public comments from the April 14 Town Hall meeting (minutes available at
http://www.satellitebeach.org/boards/a1a/Ad%20Hoc%2004-14-07.doc):
... 11/19 = 57.89% for "Community Use"
... 02/19 = 10.53% for "Municipal Use"
... 02/19 = 10.53% for "Hold Property"
... 04/19 = 21.05% for Commercial Development
Why didn't the ad hoc committee's seven votes at the May 3 meeting reflect the public input they have collected?
Motion #1: Rezone & sell: PASSED 8-1
Motion #2: Rezone & swap for other property: PASSED 8-1
Motion #3: Hold as greenspace for now, analyze for municipal needs: FAILED 2-7
Motion #4: Issue RFP's for Public/Not-for-profit partnership: PASSED 9-0
Motion #5: Retain & develop for public/community use: FAILED 3-6
Motion #6: Issue RFP's for Public/Private partnership, allowing property to be sold at a loss if targeted for a
"desirable use": PASSED 7-2
Motion #7: Add a comment to their "excluded uses list" indicating that they did listen to public comment, did hear the public's request for "a park" and did not ignore it, but only voted to exclude it because it did not seem feasible: PASSED 8-1
The only thing positive to come out of these votes was the agreement that the property should be rezoned to avoid undesirable uses. The note added to Motion #7 was a self-serving attempt to save face after failing to pass one citizen-friendly motion.
The committee has thus far, in my opinion, failed to achieve two of the most important directions given to them at the outset: 1) Gather (and respect) public input; 2) Think outside the box.
I urge the committee to review what they have and have not accomplished before presenting their final recommendations to CRAAC/CRA; please consider another vote on Motion #5 so that a highly-supported public use may be included among the final recommendations.
Tal Nealy (talnealy@aim.com):
Recommend that the Peg Legs site be used as a demonstration of environmentally responsible landscaping. The environmental drawbacks of the 'typical' landscaping solution of non-native grasses is extensive, including over use of water resources, over burden of street drainage by clipping discard, ground water pollution from pesticides, fertilizers, air and noise pollution from gas powered mowers (one gas powered mower produces more pollution than three modern automobiles ). There is an enormous variety of native and native friendly vegetation that can be used instead. The Peg Leg site can be used to demonstrate to local residents different ideas for landscaping with native ground covers, bushes and trees. A nature path through the demonstration area can also be used as an exercise course and could have benches for relaxing. This could put Satellite Beach in the forefront of cities in Brevard moving toward a sustainable future for all us.
Roger and Rhonda Pszonowsky, Ann Rubio (AnnRubio@aol.com):
The property at Desoto provides an opportunity for the Sat. Beach community to restore balance between the natural and the man made environment and an opportunity to help newcomers become better acquainted with the natural beauty of the area. As visitors to the area gain a better understanding of the fragile balance of nature; the sea, the beach, and the dunes, hopefully they will help us protect this area for our children and grandchildren to enjoy as we have.
The beach and the ocean are the reason people come to this area and a visitors center/ocean and a beach life learning center could provide them as well as our own residents with information about the ocean and its inhabitants. Most visitors I meet are thrilled when they learn that this area of Florida is the most important nesting sites in the world for some sea turtles and home to many other endangered species.
Perhaps a visitor center/ocean and sea turtle learning center would be the way to protect and preserve this special environment that those of us who live in this area have had the opportunity to enjoy and afford local businesses to showcase Satellite Beach. Its ideal location near the newly refurbished Pelican Park, Desoto Beach access and local businesses will provide a perfect center for information regarding our community and its resources.
Sea turtle nesting has decreased 50% in this area in the last 5 years and yet, this spring we had a special visitor. A rare and endangered leatherback sea turtle chose Sat. Bch for her nesting spot. This community could have a significant impact on the future of sea turtles and other aspects of the beach/ocean environment by increasing public awareness and public support for our unique ecosystem.
Jeannie Wyman (jeannie_wyman@hotmail.com):
I would love to see it converted to a small botanical garden site. It could have pathways and benches and ponds with fish. If the up keep was a concern
maybe local businesses, scouts or high school kids could volunteer to help maintain it.
(ccoates1@cfl.rr.com):
The main thing I am opposed to seeing with this property is any form of zoning that would ever allow any type of housing (ie condos/homes/duplexes). There are several things I would advocate and my choice would depend on the impact they would have on my taxes. 2 suggestions are:
1) Making the property into a FL NATIVE ONLY education type center open to the ideas already expressed in the list of emails, excluding anything non-native. If it is going to be an education type park, it should be specific to the area/state much like you would see in our state parks, including the landscape.
2) Selling the land for a business that benefits the public at large (a restaurant for example).
I’d like to see any type of community venture minimize or exclude recurring costs. For example, paying a small power bill would be okay. However, having to hire more city employees, or significantly burden current ones, to maintain / work at potential community center, would not. It would be nice to see what the tax implications are for several types of projects being considered, to help make the most informed decision. Thank you.
Karen Lucher:
I'd like to see a water show display that will shoot up from the ground in various patterns of design. It could be used by the day and at night with lights. The water could be set to turn off when curfew ends - to help our young people.
If instead of white light, colored lights could be in place, it would be amazing.
The water areas could be designed with one central area and perhaps several small scattered ones. With various
seating areas of blocks of cement or benches. And of course shady tress, flower beds, and garbage cans.
This could be a project everyone gets to help pay for, design and build.
Memorial bricks (or some other material) could be laid out with peoples' information on it commemorating, whatever, for a price. People like putting stuff in writing for people to see.
Also, the community could help out with the work load also. Planting the flower beds, planting the tress, all the water pipes and cement work, etc. All our organizations would want to help with such a project as this is. Scout, youth in schools (community service requirements), our religious groups, etc. Our people know
a lot.
So, what do you think? I think that anything is possible. I have seen water fountains in many places. I've also been able to not only visually appreciate them but have enjoyed getting sprinkled by them.
I've been thrilled at the amazing timing of them and of the beautiful geometric designs made. I've been shocked and laughed a lot too, when the water shoots up when you're least expecting it.
Water is a necessity. By recycling it in this fashion, it would be conserving it also. It would be a
relief during the heat and a shelter from the sun by the shady trees.
It would be entertaining to see and we can all participate in it actively if we so choose. Anyone, any age could enjoy it.
Even people without all their senses could still marvel at it. You can hear it, see it, taste it, touch it, and feel it.
A city wide letter with all the supplies needed for this project could be distributed including Patrick Air Force Base, and surrounding localities. To determine how much supplies will be donated and also how much work would be possibly donated (man power hours).
The cost and all the work could actually be accomplished together...all our hearts, our minds, and our back bones!
Howard A. Sieber (hasieber@bellsouth.net):
I believe an excellent use for the property at the corner of A1A and DeSoto would be to provide residents and visitors with a center that highlights the history, culture and oceanographic significance of Satellite Beach.
I am sure there are many officials and/or citizens with a very good understanding of the history and culture of Satellite Beach. They could be called on to collect pertinent information and assist in developing a multi-media display at the Center. Further, staff attendants or citizen volunteers could operate the Center.
Just one of the aquatic life areas that calls for information and education is the nesting of sea turtles along our beaches.
People in general and tourists in particular have no real understanding of the significance of sea turtles, as an endangered species. I have even seen people put small children on the back of a turtle for a photo opportunity.
In addition to other informative historical and cultural facts, such a center could be used to educate citizens and visitors regarding the rules, regulations and expected treatment of sea turtles. This might even provide an opportunity to collaborate with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society by providing space in the Center to disseminate information about sea turtles.
A possible name might be: The Satellite Beach Cultural, Historical & Oceanographic (or Aquatic Life) Center.
John Stringer (jstringer@cfl.rr.com):
I have a suggestion that could work for the Desoto property, but more appropriately could be implemented along A1A across from South housing and north/south of the existing beach access parking. Has the city considered wind turbines to take advantage of the constant wind to generate electricity for the city. The open green areas would be preserved and the city could put a significant dent in its utility bills.
Todd Clevenger (todd@barnabascharities.org):
I recently moved down to Satellite Beach and view the area as “Something is missing”. That something is places for the youth, as well as for adults, young and old, to go and have activities that keep them out of trouble. I’m an entrepreneur who has always had vision to see what could be.
I believe this parcel of land could be part of a plan to create activities for all people of Satellite Beach .
Specifically, I propose the following:
1. This parcel of land would be used for a bookstore which has a coffee shop and plenty of room for meetings or to just hang out and relax. My proposal would be a “Barnes & Noble” or “Tattered Cover” type of bookstore. This would create not only a business that is needed in Satellite Beach , but also provide a service for all residents of the area, young and old.
2. Another location would be determined in which a “New Age” bowling center would be opened. This would include bowling, laser tag, pool tables, arcade games, and a disco where the youth can go and be safe at night. A bowling center would create activities for all ages of our community.
Both of these businesses would take care of what I foresee as the number one problem with Satellite Beach , lack of safe things for the residents to do. I propose that both of these businesses would be run with an underlying encouragement and positive atmosphere. Our job as parents and citizens is to build up our children and youth. At the same time, we owe it to our adult residents and visitors to provide safe activities and continuously improve our city. I honestly think that by adding two businesses geared to provide safe activities for the residents of Satellite Beach , we receive the best value for the property in question.
Robert Baduini (badu11@yahoo.com):
I am not sure how many of our stormwater runoffs drain into our river(s) but I know of one in my neighborhood that does.
I live in the Lake Shepard neighborhood. When we get a lot of rain, there is a light oil slick the appears from the runoff.
I would like to see this land used as a treatment plant that would filter this runoff water for the city and either let the clean water back into the river(s) or to use this water as irrigation for public land areas.
Gail Michaels (gailmmi7@earthlink.net):
I would like to comment as a person who lives in the DeSoto area and has worked professionally in the environmental field for 30 years.
A parking lot for beach access is the LAST thing we need. The beach across the street has no restroom facilities or trash receptacles. Crossing the street would be a nightmare, especially with small children, and an elevated crossover would be an eyesore and limit sight distance for people exiting DeSoto onto A1A. Most importantly, hard surfaces do not absorb water, so in the case of a hurricane or heavy rains, more pavement increases the chances that surrounding properties will be flooded. Also, oil and other pollutants run off the pavement.
Other than providing potential green space and water absorption, this property has little environmental value. It is too small and lacks native vegetation to be a bird sanctuary, for example. And in my opinion, it is too small to be a recreational park. By the time you provide parking, there would be little space left, and the parking slots would fill with people headed to the beach.
I don't support proposals that will bring excessive noise to a residential area. There are homes right next to the parcel. Amplified music or screaming sirens just don't fit. That's why we have zoning in the first place.
I would like to see modest commercial development, requiring at least 50% of the property to be planted with native vegetation, ideally including a land swap for land that does have conservation value. Any buildings should be required to use the latest technology in hurricane hardening. Tax revenue is important. The State has promised us tax and insurance relief, empty promises, it turns out. Our older residents and working families are being driven out of their homes. The community needs to exercise fiscal responsibility if it truly wants to help its citizens.
I don't understand why the City bought this property to begin with. From an environmental point of view, we have neglected some of the most important land in our community: parcels adjacent to the river. Water quality has declined, dolphins and fish are becoming ill at higher rates than ever, and the aquatic vegetation is changing, threatening the entire ecosystem. Keeping native plants on lands next to the river helps to filter out toxic runoff before it reaches the water. Shading provides habitat for many species, on both land and in the water. A "riparian buffer", as it's called, can also serve as a windbreak and absorb more floodwater than lawns, and doesn't dump loads of pesticides and herbicides into the water.
In conclusion, let's develop this in an environmentally sensitive way, and in the future, be more strategic about what parcels we choose to purchase. High-value conservation lands should come first, followed by low conservation value lands immediately needed for community infrastructure. I agree with others who said the City doesn't belong in the commercial real estate business.
Eric Andrews (ahsbusiness@cfl.rr.com):
I like the idea of a landmark lighthouse. If the quality of aesthetics are there.
It does not have to be expensive to look nice for years but it should be sturdy and should not look like a facade after the first big storm.
If you want to get fancy we could have a staircase around it for visitors to climb to the highest point around.
There are not any high viewing locations anywhere around here.
No giant expensive tower, just something higher than 2 stories. We can hold off on gift shops and park areas that need to be maintained.
Just a big rock with a lighthouse shaped cement pillar on it and some wild scrub growing around it.
Something to make Satellite Beach a memory to people even if they don't stop here.
Or maybe a realistic satellite sitting all by itself. Create a memory for tourist passing by.
Andrew (softreg@cfl.rr.com):
A permanent small business starter and expansion venue where several business share the segmented spaces like a tiny mall, Where all of the businesses are new or new to the area. With low cost space rental and a high turnover rate expected and accepted to keep it always full of new and interesting ever changing businesses so as to cause reason for high visitation and patronage.
So visitors and people from neighboring communities could sample in one location several new and or growing local businesses. With the short term and low rent cost there would be reason for repeat patronage to see the always changing venues.
But something much nicer than a tent city or craft faire. A nice permanent building with small spaces for introduction of new businesses.
Eric Andrews (ahsbusiness@cfl.rr.com):
The idea of an A1A foot-bridge is great as traffic is just going to get heavier and the beach will always be a draw.
Our town could be safer to visit and to raise children in.
I also like the ideas:
Alternative Energy Park
Environmental Center
Stacey Monk's innovation incubation area is great
Water retention
Site for meetings/gatherings
Great location for a windmill
Japanese garden idea is great as well.
Like many of the others I feel that more commercial space is just contributing to the for-sale sign parade on A1A.
Let us not wishfully try to predict a fruitful future for our community.
Richard C. Baker (rbaker27@cfl.rr.com):
As a taxpayer of Satellite Beach I believe we should sell the Pegleg property.
An ideal usage would be private construction of a two level office suite, class A.
The benefits include: a million plus bank account, a new source of tax revenue and a slight decrease in traffic.
Property values will continue to tank. We need the money for a rainy day.
If the city has a need for a large building with a great parking area the Food Lion should be considered.
Pete Wise (pwisesr@cfl.rr.com):
How about a combination Brevard Fire Rescue and Satellite Beach Police Department Sub Station?
You would have A1A and the eastern section of the city covered more efficiently and quicker than now.