Viewpoint by Victoria Clarkin

Pensacola New JournalPublished - November, 12, 2005
Just say 'no' to beach zoning change

Victoria Clarkin

Joe Endry, a member of the Santa Rosa Island Authority appointed "Redefine Pensacola Beach" committee, said it so clearly at a September meeting: "The precedent to go from medium to high density was set in 1991."
The Clarion Hotel is currently zoned medium density. But if the Island Authority recommends the first of such a change in 14 years, its owners can sell the Clarion to a developer for more money. Maybe a lot more money. Maybe more than most of us can fathom.
I have never begrudged anyone making money, and I don't really want to now. And, really, does anyone care about another maximum-density high rise on Pensacola Beach? What does this change mean anyway?
Well, the new "hybrid" condominium hotel Clarion could grow from 86 to 216 units. According to Monte Blews, it would "change the character of the beach." Blews recently shared the "pressures" from developers after hurricanes. He also stated there is a plan, and the plan has worked well.
The Pensacola Beach Land Utilization Plan was adopted in 1988 and is under attack today. If this zoning change is granted, the flood gate will be open. What possible developer wouldn't want to make more money? Who wouldn't ask for the variance for maximum density? And the plan, held up for the last 14 years, would have a new precedent.
Endry also stated in the September meeting that "the Clarion zoning issue has not been a hot item." But wishful thinking does not make it so. When the Clarion issue first came up for public hearing months ago, 50 to 100 people who prefer a plan, who prefer lower density, who aren't making money off the deal, and who love Pensacola Beach less cluttered, came to speak in opposition. The Pensacola Beach Preservation and Historic Society brought an online petition with more than 600 comments and signatures against the high rise. Find the petition at http://www.pensacolabeach/ history.com and read the heart-felt pleas not to pave paradise.
The Island Authority and Escambia County commissioners can and just may ignore the voice of the majority. They did at the last public hearing. The Island Authority board chose to let the pro-Clarion group speak but did not allow opposition to be heard. It did not allow the petition to be presented or the voices of the signers to be considered.
The Preservation and Historic Society went back to the Clarion public hearing this week with even more signatures and asked the board to "just say no." If necessary, we will be at Thursday's County Commission meeting to do the same.
If you love Pensacola Beach or even just care a little, contact your county commissioner. Tell them no zoning change for Clarion. Do something to help save the beach from over development. Please.
Victoria Clarkin is president of the Pensacola Beach Preservation and Historical Society.