Palmetto Bay Public Hearing on Palmer Trinity School Site Plan

(9:00PM) Just back from the public debate that continues at this hour over the proposed expansion of Palmer Trinity Private School in the heart of Palmetto Bay.

I won't soapbox on which side of the issue on which I sit, but rather I will simply say I am proud of the process that is ongoing at this hour.  Even with a few out of place 2-minute speeches from residents during the public debate on zoning, the meeting ran with a sense of expeditious management.

Described as the "hole in the dougnut" of Palmetto Bay property, the school currently sits on property zones for agriculture (AG) and E-2...at least until tonight.  As per a recent court decision, the Palmetto Bay council has approved the conversion of the property to a new zoning class Estate Modified (E-M) which allows setbacks to shrink to 25 feet.

The second part of the evening, which many feel will run late into the evening, is a full public debate on the site plan for several new buildings proposed for the now approved re-zoned land.  I feel as if this might get ugly, but hold out hope.

By my estimation, over 500 concerned residents on both sides of the debate filled the Christ Fellowship main auditorium.  I broadcast the first 90 minutes of the hearing live on Ustream and had a small number of people tune in.

I will be updating this site as soon as I get word on any outcome on the site plan issue.

(May 5) After many hours of debate, the council passed the site plan by a vote of 3-2.  The Mayor voted against it based primarily because of his concerns over traffic.  More details can be found here.