LPA Acts on Docks andParking

Cedar Key's Local Planning Board, after intense discussion, made significant recommendations to the City Commission regarding limitations on dock construction and exemptions from existing parking policies in the downtown area. Commissioner Sue Colson described the threat to oystermen with additional dock construction where more than ten slips are provided. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) could close existing shellfish harvest areas if more multifamily docks go in. Limitation of automobile parking was addressed as an impediment to development of the downtown area.

Commissioner Colson expanded on comments she made at a recent Commission meeting when she warned that the FDA uses a strict formula to limit shellfish harvest where it anticipates future problems with contaminated water. The formula, rather than observed water quality, determines the suitability of harvest zones. The Cedar Key area is at the threshold where any more multislip docks may disqualify areas near Cedar Key for shellfish harvest. (However, docks with no more than ten slips are not included in the formula.) The caution of the FDA is because some shellfish are consumed raw by humans.

A motion by Frank Patillo, and seconded by Kevin Flynn, directed city Attorney David Coffey to draft an ordinance for immediate consideration by the City Commission to limit slip construction to ten or fewer unless there is acceptable evidence that the FDA zone will not be affected. The motion passed unanimously.

LPA Chair Greg Lang opened discussion of parking in the downtown area relative to development of properties. Lang identified two components, i.e., development of existing buildings and development of vacant lots. He mentioned fees paid in lieu of providing parking spaces and easements to provide access to parking space. However, easements subtract from allowable building size and fees in lieu of parking space are often challenged on grounds of financial hardship.

A range of opinions from Board members and the audience fell between Jeff Dwyer's suggestion to, "do anything to give parking waivers for any development" and Commissioner Colson's observation that, "This is an island and what do we see downtown as?" Chair Lang said that we need shops, restaurants and housing (in the downtown.) There was a prediction of a parking garage in the future, and that market forces and the Community Redevelopment Agency would solve our problems. The LPA voted unanimously to exempt all existing structures in the downtown area from parking requirements.

Regarding Comprehensive Plan business, the revised land use maps have been received and are under review. The maps will be discussed at the December 7 meeting.