Proposed high-rise building along Indian River Lagoon draws concerns

We are blessed with large portions of the Indian River Lagoon waterfront along U.S. 1 being accessible. There are long stretches where we can see the IRL as we drive. This is part of what makes Brevard County a desirable place to live.

A sad development took place recently, however, that could signal that this will change; that we will see highrise buildings along the water, making U.S. 1 look more like Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Castaway Point Park is a 1.5-acre retreat on the northern tip of Palm Bay. After declaring the surrounding area blighted, the City of Palm Bay created the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency, which adopted the Bayfront Community Redevelopment District 2024 Plan in 2010.

It called for developing “pedestrianfriendly, mixed use community with a Main Street Village character capitalizing on its waterfront location that boasts improved narrow streets, pedestrian pathways and U.S. 1 crosswalks leading to public spaces including waterfront parks, attractive views and a waterfront theme.”

In 2014, developers bought adjacent parcels, together just over four acres, immediately adjacent to the Park fronting on the IRL.

While zoning on the parcels and most of the other private land in the vicinity called for a maximum height of 35 feet and no more than

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

10 dwellings per acre on the site, the owner recently requested the city to amend zoning to triple both the density and height allowed.

They requested the city to allow the construction of an 11-story, 110foot building that would be the tallest building in all of Palm Bay, but offered no building purpose, concept or design.

The local community and environmental groups opposed this in a petition with more than 300 signatures, sent letters and testified at the City Council meeting on June 6, pointing out the inconsistency of the request with the Bayfront Community Plan and the totally disruptive nature such an enormous building would have. Additionally, they raised concerns that if the Council was allowed the change, proponents of other high rises would soon follow suit.

You guessed the ending: The City Council approved the request with a 4-0 vote.

High rises on U.S. 1? Very likely unless the community organizes to preserve our paradise.

Visit helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC to stay informed.

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