Residents propose change to Point Washington overlay

During a Walton County Planning and Development workshop on Tuesday, Point Washington residents agreed to move forward with an overlay plan that would create tougher height restrictions on new construction and limit the amount of units per parcel in the community.
Under the overlay redesign, those in favor can have a neighborhood ordinance presented at the next Board of County Commission meeting without having to meet the strict requirements of a neighborhood plan, which requires creating a complex development plan that would need approval of 66 percent of the community.
Point Washington resident Randy Harelson, who is in favor of getting four-units per parcel and 32-foot height restrictions implemented, said a lot of the problems with the land development regulations in community stemmed from the county, but agreed with the majority that a neighborhood plan would not likely succeed.
“It will never fly,” he said. “I would have rather spent the time and energy on education (than the two years the neighborhood has worked with the county).”
Planning and Development Director Pat Blackshear said the overlay could result in a swift decision if approved by the BCC.
“If things go well, we could have this adopted in 60 days,” she said.
The proposed overlay begins just west of Eden Gardens State Park and extends to just west of Dog Hobble Lane.