Motel Plans Fail Approval

Plans for a motel on State Route 24 foundered August 7 when the Cedar Key Commission reiterated its firm position that seawalls cannot be built except to protect existing structures. Along with a request to replace an existing seawall, a variance was needed to allow construction ten feet from the water rather than the required fifty feet.

Robert Solano, of Riverview, FL, owns a large but narrow lot on State Route 24 adjacent to the Castaways Resort. Mr. Solano presented plans for a medium-sized motel that would need protection from wave action. He said that heavy taxes make it necessary to put the lot to commercial use. Purchased in March, 2005 for $123,000, the Levy County Property Appraiser has appraised the market value of the lot at $507,500, thereby making the tax $10,073.

Gayle Easley, speaking for the City Building Department, acknowledged that the motel plans meet many requirements for a permit. She said however, the need for a seawall prior to construction presents a problem. A City ordinance prohibits seawall construction unless an existing structure needs protection. Commissioners Pat O'Neal and Sue Colson examined the site plan and subsequently moved and seconded a motion to deny permission to build a seawall. With Mayor Paul Oliver's vote, the motion passed unanimously. Likewise, Solano's request for a variance on the set-back from the water was unanimously denied.

In other Commission business, Brian Hussan spoke for the third time in favor of the public's right to speak at Commission meetings. He was told by Mayor Oliver that a three page memo from City Attorney David Coffey has not been seen by two Commission members, and the issue will be addressed at a later meeting. According to Hussan, who has read the memo, it may contain justification for not routinely having a public comment item on the agenda.