TO CONTEST APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE AT MAY 27th PUBLIC HEARING
Originally promised to be housed within the commercial setting of “The Shoppes” near Bob’s Steak House, The Omni notified interested parties within The Plantation early this year of its revised plan for an expanded version of the structure and function of its Starter’s House/Food and Drink Building on the course itself. The new design was immediately opposed by representatives from Linkside Villas A and B and Beach Wood due to its location within 110 feet of a Linkside A building and only slightly further from several Beach Wood buildings and the offensive noise, smells and lighting that would follow.
Representatives from the HOA’s met with Omni Attorney Jessie Smith on two occasions in March and April to share these concerns in the hope that dialogue would lead to a workable solution. Their position was formalized in a May 3rd letter to Thad Crowe, Director, Nassau County Planning and Economic Opportunity Committee and Attorney Smith suggesting seven issues that the Omni should address in its application to the Nassau County Conditional Use and Variance Board for a required Conditional Use Variance. Suggested areas of compromise included a reduced capacity to 20 patrons (Omni wants seating for 51), no hard liquor and limited food service, hours of operation closing at 6:00pm, no TV’s or loud speakers, added screening/landscaping, security and that the terms of operation be in writing and enforceable.
On May 19th, Attorney Smith sent a reply which summarily rejected the seven issues presented. Mr. Smith replied that the Omni intends the hours of operation to be set at sunset plus one hour; 9:30pm during peak daylight in the summer and 6:30pm during minimum daylight in the winter. The Smith reply also insisted on background music from speakers and no “permanent” televisons (i.e. they can bring them in when they want) and that all agreed to considerations will be non-binding.
The public hearing before the Conditional Use and Variance Board will be held on Thursday, May 27th, 6:30 PM at the Nassau County Government Complex, 96135 Nassau Place in Yulee. The Board will receive limited public comments which will include a spokesperson from our HOA Committee. It is anticipated that the following points will be emphasized: 1) The original plan submitted to The Plantation’s Architectural Review Board showed the Starter House located in a retail building in The Village. The Omni changed the location and purpose without communication or discussion with residents. Omni already has several facilities to serve the social and dining needs of short course players. 2) The seating capacity of 51 and a closing time of 9:30pm in the summer months have little to do with enhancing the experience of golfers. The maximum golfers on the course at any time is 40. Amelia River Golf Club closes their bar at 6:30pm. 3) Allowing an eating and drinking establishment that stays open until 9:30pm within 110 feet of a residential area does not enhance livability for the residents. It does just the opposite. The noise and lighting generated by 51 patrons, lighting, music and television over loud speakers will be problematic. 4) There are no eating and drinking establishments located within 110 feet of residential housing anywhere in Nassau County.
The Committee contacted AIPCA President Ron Nelson in late March advising of its opposition to the plan and requesting support. On May 21st, AIPCA Executive Director Tim Digby sent a community-wide “Newsletter” to all subscribing Plantation owners advising of Omni’s application for the variance and briefly describing the project. It mentioned the date, time and place of the hearing and provided the Board’s email address for comment. (planninginfo@nassaucountyfl.com) To date, that has been the only action and response offered by AIPCA.
Beach Wood owners are urged to express their opposition to the project utilizing the email address above and, in a public display, attend the May 27 hearing.
