Reef Retreat Project
It has come to the attention of the Ocean Reef Club and ORCA Boards that a conceptual proposal for a new development on Cinnamon Bark Lane has generated some buzz throughout the Ocean Reef community. On behalf of both Boards, and in the interest of providing accurate information, we would like to share the following facts surrounding the proposal.
In May, a conceptual idea was presented to the Ocean Reef Club and ORCA Boards proposing the development of 35 adult-only (ages 55 and older) luxury duplexes on 17 lots and a recreation building on two lots at the end of Cinnamon Bark Lane. As proposed, each building would house two 3,500 – 4,000 square-foot units that would be tastefully designed to complement the existing quality appearance of the neighborhood. Both units would utilize the same front-door entryway, giving each building the appearance of a single family home. According to the proposal, the units would be intended for sale to current Ocean Reef Club members ages 55 and older, who wish to eliminate the stresses of home, pool and landscape maintenance. The units would not house medical facilities, nor would they be available for short-term or seasonal rentals.
While the Ocean Reef Club Board has encouraged and supported the project to date, and the ORCA Board has supported the process, neither Board has given its final approval, which is required to enable the project to move forward. Both Boards have a policy not to take up controversial subjects in the summer. The applicant was advised that sometime in the coming Season a full hearing will occur. Only after all of the facts are known and the community has had the opportunity for input will the Boards make a decision. Before approval can be granted or denied, the property owner must submit a formal application and the following measures will be taken to ensure that the project is in the best interest of the Ocean Reef community:
- All Ocean Reef community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at a public hearing.
- Changes in the land use plan must be approved by Monroe County.
- A zoning change must be approved by Monroe County and confirmed by the State of Florida.
- In the event that the land use plan and zoning changes pass, the Ocean Reef Club and ORCA Boards will thoroughly review and vote to approve or reject the project.
- Certain residents of Cinnamon Bark Lane, as set forth in applicable deed restrictions, will be given the chance to vote directly on the issue.
A public hearing by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 13, at the Marathon Government Center, and will address the applicant’s request to change the land use plan. Ocean Reef community members may submit comments directly to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.
A series of updates on the status of this project will appear in the Ocean Reef Press as they become available, with the first article being published on July 31. Should you have any questions or comments between now and then, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Sincerely,
Nelson M. Sims Steven F. Techet
Chairman, Ocean Reef Club Board of Directors Chairman, ORCA Board of Directors |
North Key Largo Utility
Advanced Treatment and Wastewater
Reuse Project
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is requiring all wastewater treatment plants in Monroe County to be upgraded to meet advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) standards. This requirement is aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
North Key Largo Utility (NKLUC) has completed the plans to meet this requirement and will start construction in August 2009. The project will take approximately 18 months to complete and will include filters that will allow for the wastewater to be reused for irrigation. The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is also expanding from the existing 0.55 mgd plant to 0.66 mgd. The estimated construction cost is $15 million.
Please feel free to contact Jeff Oeltjen at 305-367-7337 for further details.
Click on the NKLUC link to the left for further information
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