The Satellite Beach City Commission may have stuck their heads in the sand about the landward migration of their beaches. Just before Christmas, the city council considered a plan to demolish the beachfront Ramada Hotel and replace it with two condo towers that could have a total height of 123 feet-- 50% taller than currently allowed by the City Code, and an increase of more than 50% in terms of density.

Breezeways would be cut off, shadow pollution could steal sunshine and hamper plant growth on nearshore reefs. Additional proposals for condos on the west side of A1A could lead to a “condo canyon.”

A net effect will be hundreds more beachfront residents screaming for a so-called “beach nourishment,” or worse, seawalls. Seawalls inevitably destroy the beach. And the dredge-and-fill projects spun as “re-nourishment” often degrade or destroy public trust resources, including the

beach ecosystem and adjacent reefs. This particular stretch of beach boasts the northernmost significant colonies of worm reef, which are federally designated as Essential Fish Habitat and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern.

In exchange for the increased density, the developer is offering to preserve two acres of beachfront access. But opponents say the donation is a bait-and-switch.

“They’re talking about increasing development when they should be talking about retreat,” said Brian Lind, a local charter operator. “If they allow this precedent, then every small hotel in Satellite could be redeveloped into a massive condo.”

Meanwhile, Brevard County has applied to state and federal agencies for a “beach nourishment” permit for what is called Brevard’s “Midreach.” Due to the tremendous reef resources along this approximately 7-mile stretch of coast, state and federal agencies have denied this permit before. This time, the county is proposing a less destructive project. They want to truck in sand and place it above the mean high tide line along about 66 percent of Midreach, where the most significant reef resources are. Still, they plan to fully bury the southern third, where there are still significant reefs. The project faces widespread opposition form water users, including anglers, surfers and divers, and from tax dollar watchdogs.

Satellite Beach resident Ed Kinberg will host an open forum meeting on Sunday, January 22, 2006, at 1:30 p.m., at the David R. Schechter Community Center, to discuss a proposal accepted by the City Council for the construction of two 100-foot-plus condos. The City’s Comprehensive Planning Advisory Board will vote on its recommendation for the Ramada Inn site on Monday, January 23, 2006, and City Council will vote on this issue on February 15, 2006. There are no other public meetings planned. On February 15, 2006, the City Council will take action on the pending high density proposal.

FS