Controversial beachfront home enters AM permitting process

A controversial three-story multi-family building could soon rise out of Anna Maria’s beachside dunes.

But neighbors are hoping the city rejects the proposed development.

City planner Chad Minor told The Islander March 25 that staff reviewed and responded to Bradenton resident Fedora Campbell’s application for a permit to build in an area of a conservation zone and was awaiting revisions.

The property is located seaward of the coastal construction control line and in the city’s conservation 1 district, which is intended for areas of “significant environmental or ecological importance” along the city’s shoreline.

The lot currently is undeveloped and lies beyond the beach access at the end of Elm. In order to provide vehicular access to the property, the avenue would need to be extended into the unpaved city-owned right of way, which is the walking path.

Campbell contracted Anna Maria-based Gagne Construction to build the home and driveway for $1.635 million, with the contract demanding 50% payment upon entering the agreement and the remainder upon completion.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provided a notice to proceed and a permit for the proposed development in June 2020.

Campbell still must seek city commission approval for a development permit and site plan including vehicular access and utilities for the property after the plans clear administrative review.

Some people aren’t on board with the proposed development.

Wendy Jordan, owner of neighboring property at 107 Elm Ave., told The Islander March 25 she hopes the city rejects the plans as approval may establish a precedent encouraging owners of similar property to develop seaward of the CCCL.

The CCCL is a Florida coastal management program that regulates structures and activities but does not prohibit building. It regulates activity that can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access. CCCL permits also protect sea turtles and dune plants.

Jordan added that the development would obstruct the view from her property, which she and her husband purchased for $4 million in April 2021, but she mostly is concerned about the loss of habitat for turtles and other wildlife she’s grown fond of.

Jordan became emotional while talking about the issue and said she is considering selling her home.

“I loved this place. Well, I don’t feel that way anymore. It has defeated me,” Jordan said. “It’s very upsetting. I have relationships with a bunch of turtles out here, and they’re going to wipe them out.”

“I’ve got a beautiful boat, I can get a view of everything around me. … I’d like this island, especially this north end, to stay as it is,” she added.

Jordan also noted that her home is shaped like a wedge due to the CCCL and other restrictions, but Campbell’s proposed development is a full-sized rectangular home despite its location seaward of the CCCL.

After moving to the island, Jordan began financing litigation that four of her neighbors previously launched to combat the proposed development.

She found herself on the losing side after an administrative law judge ruled in 2021 to uphold the DEP’s 2020 building permit for the development.

Jordan’s opposition still persists through a “Preserve AMI” campaign that consists of signage and advertisements asking city officials to “Do the right thing” and reject permitting for the property.

She said that, by now, all she could do was hope the city commission votes against permits for the development.

“If they don’t vote against it, then it’s going to happen all the way down the beach,” Jordan said. “I hope those guys understand that we have a precious gem here that we need to hold on to.”