Gulf County Commission, in a 5 to 0 Vote, Approves Land Use Plans for St. Joe's WindMark Beach
Wednesday April 7, 8:51 am ET
Land Use Change Creates Opportunity for 1,550 Units at WindMark Beach
biz.yahoo.com
PORT ST. JOE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2004--The Gulf County Commission (GCC) voted unanimously last night to approve a land-use plan for WindMark Beach, a proposed 1,550 unit mixed-use development in Gulf County, Florida on approximately 2,000 acres owned by The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE). The proposed community is located along more than 15,000 feet of beachfront near the town of Port St. Joe.
"WindMark Beach, under this plan, embraces, restores and protects an unspoiled three-mile stretch of beautiful beach and makes it accessible to the public with activities that center on family fun," said Peter S. Rummell, chairman and CEO. "Together with the Gulf County community, we are planning WindMark Beach so that it respects the local culture, landscape, architecture and the environmentally special lands nearby."
The GCC approved a comprehensive plan amendment approving the proposed land-use, an order for a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) for WindMark Beach and policies for implementation of the project. The GCC voted 5 to 0 on each measure.
A number of additional regulatory steps remain before the land use plan becomes final, including review by the Florida Department of Community Affairs to determine if the plan and DRI are in compliance with state law. Certain environmental permits are required before construction at WindMark Beach can begin. Sales are expected to begin in 2005.
Plans for WindMark Beach provide that once a three-mile portion of U.S. 98 is moved, in accordance with the relocation agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation, the existing roadbed through St. Joe's land would be used to create a public beachfront trail system. No residential development is planned seaward of the beachfront trails, and JOE will provide public beach parking areas and multiple access points for the public.
Sales of the first phase of WindMark Beach, which included 110 home sites, began in 2001 and all but 10 have been sold. This phase features a pool club and several community docks, as well as an extensive conservation area accessible by boardwalks and trails.
The St. Joe Company, a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is one of Florida's largest real estate operating companies. It is engaged in community, resort, commercial and industrial development, land sales and commercial real estate services. JOE also has significant interests in timber.
More information about JOE can be found at our web site at joe.com. |
