Neighbors protest city pier rule
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News Vici@gulfbreezenews.com

During the Gulf Breeze City Council meeting Monday night, council members heard Police Chief Peter Paulding's neighbors' concerns over the proposed ordinance to alter set-back requirements for piers and boathouses.

"I believe that this ordinance is allowing some property owners to claim riparian rights that have been disputed and are still being disputed," asserted Kevin Shea, who lives at 310 N. Sunset Blvd.

"The council needs to take a close look at what this ordinance will say about those disputed riparian rights. I grew up next to Carey Cooper, and I know he tried and again to build a pier and was denied again and again."

Shea stated that he felt Cooper had lost income by not being allowed to benefit from his riparian rights.

"I actually included a letter in the packet to show that Mr. Cooper's case was the impetus for the change. The council felt that property owners were being denied full benefit of their property, and asked staff to make the changes," replied City Manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy. "We, staff, just somehow didn't take the next steps, but the process began to change as if the ordinance had been changed."

"It was the intent of the council; I'm sure the tapes reflect that," assured Councilman Carl T. Hoffman.

Council also heard from Matthew Gaetz, attorney for the Frank Boykin family. He read a letter stating concerns, primarily that the ordinance "does not include requiring consent from adjoining property owners. Consent is a critical element and should be added."

Council passed the ordinance unanimously.