Ginn-LA Fights Flagler’s Ruling that Denied More Development at Hammock Beach Resort
At issue are future development rights that would raise the resort’s value. Nearby property owners, fearing the loss of ocean views oppose the proposal.
Palm Coast, FL – May 27, 2010 – In a Petition submitted yesterday to the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission, Ginn-LA Marina, LLP ( one of several legal entities created by real estate developer Bobby Ginn and financial partner Lubert-Adler) requested an Appeal of a recent Development Order decision. The Flagler Board of County Commissioners had denied a request by the developer to reallocate 541 residential units into a 12-acre cluster within the Ocean Hammock Golf Course plat sited between Hammock Beach Resort’s South Towers condominiums and the Atlantic Ocean beach.
The area affected by the proposed change includes land presently occupied by a swimming pool and a building presently housing a 20-room lodge, the Atlantic Grill Restaurant and the golf shop.
At issue are future development rights that would increase the value of the developer’s Hammock Beach Resort. The property’s value will be enhanced if the right to build additional units is preserved. Nearby property owners, fearing the loss of ocean views and/or potential impact on the golf course, oppose the change.
For more background and detailed information, read Flagler Council Rules Against Ginn-LA’s Proposed Development Order Amendments at a Special Session and the Petition for Appeal [29 page Pdf].
Risk
In my opinion, this would not increase the value of existing property there it only runs the risk of devaluating it by potentially losing ocean and golf course views. Plus, we run the risk of something not being completed once it is started. Look at Grand Haven condos by the clubhouse. All of the beautiful trees were cleared and now half built buildings and a rusty old truck have been sitting there for over 4 years. Not that Grand Haven was Ginn but how many times do we give Ginn-LA a shot before being fools?
Ginn’s NOPC appeal
Ginn has asked the State to overrule the BCC in part because the golf course restrictions are not "Dedications" to the public. It also contends none of the residents have view easements or any other legal rights in the property, and that the sales contracts, none of which were part of the record contain conspicuous disclaimers.
There must be a middle ground
All property owners should work with management for the better good. There must be a way to work out an aggreement. This NOPC must move forward for the future of this community. There are buyers out there that would love to purchase this development. But there must be some room for expansion. Without that the property values will continue to fall to the waste side.
RE: Ron
Ron,
I don’t mean for this come off callus or unsympathetic but regardless of what developer owns the communities, property values there are not going to come back for a good decade or most likely, longer. Everyone keeps fooling themselves into believing that their property value will return once the market stabilizes but the reality is that we are in a totally new era which will be defined by new values. The days of luxury properties and the excesses that come along with those properties (taxes, HOA, insurance, other dues) will no longer be desired by the masses. Get out now while you are just another face in the crowd of people walking from their properties.
Ginn-LA Ruling
My ruling is that he needs to pay his bills, he contracted for lots of stuff in Flagler County and then defaulted, Airport hanger for example. I wouldn;t give him the time of day until he makes good on past promises. He has screw too many people in his Real estate deals to even begin to give him the time of day.
What’s wrong with empty towers still there?
There are entire towers at Hammock Beach Resort and at the Marina area and open areas at the Conservatory that have not been sold or were sold for a song. Why isn’t Ginn putting money into marketing what is already there? Based on past experience we just can’t give him carte blanche to build. He doesn’t necesarily build what he says he will, in my opinion. He walks away from responsbility when it suits him. He is personally in arrears on his Hammock Dunes property and lured the BOCC into building a hanger for his planes and helicopters that the county is now stuck with paying for.
The Lodge and the Atlantic Grille are very nice amenities. How do we know something equal in value to them will be built?
The first time someone doesn’t live up to their responsiblity to you, shame on them. The second time, shame on you. I don’t know what to say about the third time!
Reply to Lauren
I’m saying it will increase the developer’s property value. Ginn wants to preserve the right to develop for themselves or a subsequent owner of the resort. Clearly, those impacted by loss of a view will be negatively affected. Some property owners with whom I’ve spoken think that a greater capacity to draw conventions and outside group meetings would lead to a healthier resort, which may benefit all property owners