Hammock Beach Club Lodge Conflict Heats Up

“Antagonist in Chief”, Jeff Southmayd, raises the ante with a challenging letter to Salamander president, Prem Devadas. Devadas’s fact-based response to the challenge was likely unexpected.

Palm Coast, FL – December 21, 2014 – The conflict over whether or not Salamander should be allowed to build a 198 room lodge-hotel on the same spot occupied by the existing lodge is heating up. The stakes are high, with $72 million in capital investment , plenty of local economic impact and several jobs on the line.

The well organized group formed to stop the project rallied about 50 blue-shirted supporters to two successive P&D Board meetings. The group is also reportedly reaching out for professional marketing assistance. Their "Antagonist in Chief," Jeff Southmayd, recently wrote to the individual members of the Board of County Commissioners.


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From: JEFF SOUTHMAYD-PD <wnssfm@aol.com>
To: cericksen <cericksen@flaglercounty.org>; fmeeker <fmeeker@flaglercounty.org>; brevels <brevels@flaglercounty.org>; nmclaughlin <nmclaughlin@flaglercounty.org>; ghaans <ghanns@flaglercounty.org>

Sent: Wed, Dec 17, 2014 9:31 pm
Subject: The Proposed Salamander Hotel on the Plat Restriced (sic) Open Space Next to Old Salt Park

The Christian community in Flagler County is very concerned about this proposal since it appears to sacrifice the rights of the county residents to the desires of private developers.

Please contact me for a media interview.

If I don't hear from you, I will assume you side with the developers and aren't concerned with the local county residents (sic) needs and interests and will report the story accordingly.

Thank you.
Jeff Southmayd
President


[Toby’s comments: The parcel is plat restricted, however, the county staff, in its recommendation to approve the project, determined that the plat restriction does not apply to the proposed structure. Signing the email as president of a Christian radio station, Southmayd suggests that he speaks for the Flagler County Christian community. I doubt that he does.]

A recent exchange with Salamander president, Prem Devadas, is more enlightening. Southmayd challenges Devadas with several slanted and disingenuous questions and rumors (many of them likely started by Southmayd or his group).

Devadas response is polite, in stark contrast with Southmayd’s tone. The juxtaposition of questions heavy on innuendo and light on facts with Devadas's complete and factual answers is enlightening. And Devadas chose to speak in his reply not only to Southmayd, but also to the entire Hammock Beach Club membership, a move unlikely anticipated by Southmayd.

GoToby.com is firmly in favor of the Salamander proposal. Southmayd’s group has been successful until now in framing the issue as a choice between the status quo and an intrusive hotel on the beach. After reading the following exchange, you will understand why the status quo is unsustainable. The financial well being of one of the county’s largest employers and economic engines is at risk. Its future and the future of Flagler County are at risk as well.

The Board of County Commissioners will take up the issue January 12, 2015. If they cannot approve the Salamander plan, one should wonder what they would approve. I urge you to contact the BOCC (Southmayd conveniently provides their email addresses in the email header above) and let them know what your thoughts are.


Southmayd – Devadas Exchange

Dear Members,

Recently, I received a note from one of our members, Jeff Southmayd, advising me of numerous rumors being circulated about our Lodge proposal and posing several questions to me for clarification. Because the majority of issues which he raised pertain directly or indirectly to our membership, I felt that it would be helpful to share my response to him with all of you.

Dear Jeff

Below please find my responses to the questions which you sent me last week. Thanks for your patience. I have been traveling this week and just returned to Middleburg.

  • It is rumored that in the event the hotel project is denied there will be an increase in the club membership dues, but if the hotel project is approved we will never receive such a dues increase as long as Salamander/LA manage/own Hammock Beach?

With regard to increases in membership dues, I have publicly stated in several meetings that there will be no attempt to increase dues as a result of the many improvements to member facilities and services that we propose as part of the new Lodge development. Furthermore, I have stated that there will be absolutely no member dues increase during the New Lodge construction period. After the New Lodge is built, any future membership due levels and associated increases would be of a normal, inflationary nature unlike the recent 7% increase that has occurred at the Hammock Dunes club. The positive economic impact created by the new Lodge will ensure that Club operations are stabilized and can grow, which is the best way to ensure that future assessments and abnormal increases in dues can be avoided.

If the new Lodge is not approved, we will continue to use our best efforts to minimize future member dues increases. However, if we cannot find a way to fund necessary improvements, which is a stated objective of our new Lodge proposal, deferred maintenance of the facilities and the golf courses will catch up to us sooner rather than later, and we will be forced to take necessary action to keep the Club viable, which may include significant increases in annual dues

  • It is rumored that in the event the hotel project is denied, Salamander will terminate its management of HB and we will be faced with a new management group who might not do as credible a job here as you all do?

Salamander's goal from the very beginning has been to operate Hammock Beach on a long term basis. We believe that the resort and club can be known as one of the finest of its kind in the country if a sustainable solution can be found to address current financial challenges. We have a vision for the Club's future, and as experts in the luxury hospitality industry, we are certain that the development of the new Lodge is the only viable way for us to accomplish this. We also have developed strong relationships with many of our members and have grown fond of Hammock Beach.

Having said that, like most other hotel companies, we have standards that define our luxury brand, and at some point, if the condition of the physical property prevents us from delivering on our brand promise, then we must make necessary decisions to protect the integrity of our brand, which could ultimately include the termination of our relationship with Hammock Beach Resort. We want to do everything possible to avoid reaching that point. I should also add that based upon Salamander's reputation, we have succeeded in reestablishing Hammock Beach in the prestigious Preferred Hotels and Resorts collection. Each year, Preferred conducts an inspection of their properties to ensure compliance with their physical and service standards. I am very concerned that they will require us to commit to improvements soon or risk being removed from the collection. This should be concerning to others in the rental program because they function as Hammock Beach's booking engine and a key generator of group business leads.

As you may know, our team has recently achieved accolades for Hammock Beach Resort from Travel & Leisure Magazine Readers Poll as the top resort in Florida and #5 family resort in the United States. And we were just informed this past week that Golf Digest's Best Golf Buddies course rankings list our Nicklaus Course #11 and the Conservatory #13 among all Florida courses. Our team continues to work hard to make Hammock Beach the best that it can be, but we cannot sustain these accomplishments without significant improvements. This should be a matter of great concern to any Hammock Beach property owner who cares about their long term membership and property values.

  • Are Salamander and LA willing to enter into a written contract with the property owners in Ocean Hammock, Northshore and Hammock Beach and the club members that will specify the exact improvements that will be made in the event the hotel project is approved and the proposed timing for the implementation of those improvements?

I have stated many times that we are willing to have a written legal agreement with property owners which confirms our commitment to making the many improvements to existing facilities which will be triggered by County Approval of the new Lodge and the new Club facilities that will be available upon the opening of the new Lodge. As you may know, these improvements have already been outlined in writing within the Town Hall Meeting notice which we sent to all property owners in March and which I reiterated during our presentation to owners on April 5, which as you know has been recorded and made available to all owners. Furthermore, our original application to Flagler County's Planning Board which we filed in August includes the very same commitments to these improvements.

  • It is rumored that Salamander/LA have been operating HB at a significant loss since Salamander came on the scene (operating expenses exceed income/revenue from all sources) and without the hotel Salamander's presence here is not sustainable. Are you willing to allow me and a group I chose of CPA's who are members to review your operating statements? I think you made this offer to me at the HCC meeting.

Contrary to this rumor, I have stated in many public meetings, including County Planning Board meetings that Salamander was successful in turning "staggering losses" which we inherited at the end of 2011 into a marginal profit at the end of 2012, thus stemming the bleeding which threatened the Club's viability. In turn, we have reinvested this modest cash flow to make necessary improvements, primarily to the golf courses, including the new greens at the Conservatory which had received many negative comments from members and guests over the past few years. We also reserved $400k as our contribution to the much needed lobby renovation. Perhaps most importantly, we were able to give our outstanding staff much deserved wage increases after several years of wage freezes under previous management along with the reinstatement of benefits and performance bonuses for deserving managers. Unfortunately, we will not generate as much profit in 2014 as in the previous year because of the drop in group business caused by the deteriorating state of our facilities coupled with the hundreds of millions of dollars in recent improvements by our competitors, particularly Amelia Island Plantation. Even while our team has achieved award winning accolades for lodging and golf courses and our family leisure business in the larger rental condos has increased, the continued loss of group business, which is the most profitable revenue center for any destination resort, will ultimately put us back in the red if we don't find a way to become more competitive.

I must also correct your comment about my offer to you at the HCC meeting. There was no discussion about sharing operating statements. In response to you publicly questioning my word about our agreement to invest with Lubert Adler in Hammock Beach, I offered, in front of the entire group, to sit with you privately and show you the section of our contract pertaining to the investment. All I asked is that you come back to a future HCC meeting and let everyone know that my statement about this is factual. At the time, you declined my offer, but please know that the offer still stands.

  • What is the status of the HB lobby remodeling project that I understood would start in the Fall 2014? Has it been abandoned?

As I mentioned in the previous section, we have reserved $400Kto enhance the lobby renovation. Our interior designer, who also designed world class lobbies with me at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island and Salamander Resort in Middleburg, has visited Hammock Beach and we have agreed to a contract for her design services. We have been ready to work with the Association Board to design and execute a significant lobby renovation for months. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, and up until a recent discussion on November 20, 2014 with Tim Digby, the current property owner Board Members of the Association have chosen to not engage with us about the renovation other than proposing an onerous agreement to us a few months ago which, among other things, sought to limit rights of usage which the resort guests and club members who we represent currently enjoy. I am still hopeful that we can move forward with the Board and combine our resources to elevate the resort and Club, but I am not sure what we can do short of only addressing the portions of the lobby which we control such as the bar, retail shop and reception areas. Honestly, I have never been faced with a situation where I offered funding to help improve common areas with no strings attached, and that offer was not accepted.

  • In the event the hotel project is denied will Salamander/LA undertake the renovations of the Lodge, fitness center and spa that is needed to return the facilities to "first class" status which I understand is the only way in which Salamander operates, or will they be allowed to continue to deteriorate?

The approval of the Lodge holds the key to our obtaining additional funding to refurbish those areas which you mentioned in addition to restaurants, bars, and enhancements to the existing golf halfway house, all of which are addressed in our proposal. Additionally, the new Lodge proposal gives us the opportunity to develop new member-only facilities which are incorporated into our current design. Without a new business plan that includes the new Lodge, there is no renovation financing available for a resort that is barely generating cash flow.

Nearby Amelia Island Plantation provides an excellent case study of what I am describing. The previous resort owner was unable to obtain financing to make improvements to facilities which were in dire need of renovations. Conditions deteriorated over several years, and the resort and club fell into bankruptcy in 2010. The property was subsequently purchased by Omni Hotels on the premise that if they could add additional hotel rooms and conference space to the existing resort, they could make it a viable business and feasibly enhance the club's amenities. In early 2013, Omni completed an expansion which included the addition of 155 guest rooms that were incorporated into three new six and seven story tower buildings, adding to the existing 249 hotel rooms; they also increased their program by adding another 30,000 square feet of conference space. Their plan is working, with recent articles reporting that hospitality revenues, driven by higher occupancy and rates, have significantly increased at Amelia Island in 2014. Furthermore, their owners’ rental villa occupancy has increased, and real estate values are on the upswing.

Our Lodge proposal is much more modest in scale than theirs, but because our plan incorporates larger and more luxurious guest rooms, we can charge higher rates and generate financeable income with less rooms and conference space. It would be worthwhile for you to better understand what has happened at Amelia, a real life scenario just up the road.

  •  In the event the hotel project is approved, is Salamander/LA willing to refund the membership fees paid by members to join the club who don’t support the project in the event they want to terminate their memberships and promptly after such notification?

Hammock Beach Club Membership Bylaws govern our policy making, including the rules pertaining to membership deposit refunds, and Club Membership Agreements explain membership resignation processes. Consistent with practices which exist today, any deviation from, or change in, current bylaws involve careful review and thorough analysis, evaluation, and discussion. We will continue our practice of keeping members informed and solicit input as we form policies and make important decisions.

  • Does Salamander/LA have any plans to complete the construction of the Fred Couples Golf Course at The Gardens At Hammock Beach? If the hotel were built at that location would the golf course be completed and made available for the use of the members as promised by LA in 2006 when it purchased Hammock Beach?

Salamander does not have a contract with LA to manage the Gardens or any other properties outside of the Club, so I have no knowledge of their intent with regards to the golf course you are referring to. I suggest that you speak with Daniel Baker, who I am sure will respond to your question.

I will say that we would never be involved with a hotel development at the Gardens. The new lodge proposal is feasible because it incorporates the existing one bedroom condos, which are walking distance, to create enough accommodations to attract larger groups. Furthermore, it incorporates the existing restaurants and bars, spa and recreational amenities, all of which are within walking distance. A stand alone luxury hotel development would require a much larger lodging facility, with 325 guest rooms, substantial conference space and a replication of amenities. The cost of this would be prohibitive, and without the benefit of ocean views, the rates and occupancy projections would be much lower than our proposed plan, making it impossible to finance and obtain funding for the necessary improvements to the existing Club amenities. Alternatively, I suppose that someone could feasibly develop a limited service hotel like Hampton Inn, Days Inn or Marriott Courtyard, but this would certainly not support golf course development. We would have no interest in something of this quality level.

Jeff, thanks again for giving me an opportunity to respond to the rumors you shared with us. We continue to communicate with all interested parties and stakeholders, and would like factual information to be the basis of opinions and judgments regarding the New Lodge plan. Hopefully our most recent revisions to the plan, which were discussed at the December 9th Planning Board meeting, demonstrate our commitment to integrate additional value and benefits. For any of your group that may not have seen the most current plan, it includes the following most notable changes:

  1. Incorporation of an environmental donation of $2 per guest room night at the New Lodge. This financial contribution will enable achievement of environmental conservancy to a level previously never realized locally, with an estimated annual contribution of more than $100K.
  2. Shifting the New Lodge buildings 15 feet further away from the dune than the existing Lodge building, which is situated on the CCCL. This will provide additional dune protection, allow additional dune restoration, and provide further buffering from the beach for any nominal shadowing or lighting concerns.
  3. Elimination of the provisional parking lot on the south side of 16th Road and an offer to also eliminate the 35 committed parking space area also proposed south of 16thRoad. Thus no disturbance of vegetation.

I trust this information is helpful. As always, please feel free to contact me should you have additional questions.
 

Sincerely, Prem

Prem Devadas
President
Salamander Hotels & Resorts
10 N. Pendleton Street
Middleburg, VA 20117

15 replies
  1. JQ
    JQ says:

    You betcha

    Oh yea it’s heating up , deed plat restrictions allow for no building. It’s the hammock vs. bait and switch big business.

    In typical Devedas manner 50,000 words for simple answers requested …this man can bloviate like no other….. a third party contractor trying to secure his million $ bonus.

    The chamber should be very aware that retirees duped by LA no build assurances . … Will have their voice heard with vigor!

    So let’s get it on Toby….!

  2. Dalgarnif
    Dalgarnif says:

    Not as you Characterize it Toby

    Toby, you should like a shill for the development interests and your choice of words and characterizations are highly inflammatory and created out of your own imagination and stilted point of view.

    First of all lets make clear that Salamander is not the owner of the property so starting off your introduction as an issue of whether “Salamander should be allowed to build a 198 room lodge-hotel” is factually incorrect. This property is owner by Lubert-Adler as an investment vehicle for their investors. LA really is not an operator of its properties and has no desire to own any property on a long-term basis. They develop their properties with the intent to buy low and sell high. It is important to understand this distinction vs a long-term operator because it gets at the heart of why they want to “build” a hotel on the property. What they really want is not necessarily to build a hotel but to obtain the rights to build a hotel so they can then resell the property at a higher price than is currently obtainable.

    Labeling Jeff Southmayd as the “Antagonist in Chief” is hardly the writing of an unbiased or strictly logical minded individual either. Saying that “Southmayd challenges Devadas with several slanted and disingenuous questions and rumors” is rather disingenuous on your part and implying that the rumors were started by Southmayd is simply false. These are issues discussed frequently by the residents in Hammock Beach and did not originate solely by Southmayd.

    Your saying that the “…design juxtaposition of questions heavy on innuendo and light on facts with Devadas’s complete and factual answers is enlightening. ” is also a bit of a stretch and is simply your perspective on the matter. If you carefully read Devadas’s letter in response to Southmayd you can come up with the exact opposite conclusion. For example Devadas starts by pooh poohing the “rumor” of dues increases if the project is not approved and then concludes by saying that – well yes dues may be significantly increased if the project is not approved. Davadas also pooh poohs the “rumor” that Salamander will not quit being the management company for the resort but then in the next paragraph says – well if we can’t get this project approved the resort may not meet our standards and we would have to “terminate our relationship.” The Davadas letter is rife with this same kind of denial but then affirming many of Southmayds points which in my mind serves to validate the concerns (rumors) of the Hammock residents.

    The fact of the matter is that Lubert-Adler wants to have a non-conforming use of the property so they can increase the value of their investment sale. Salamander has done an admirable job managing the property and in tempering the excessive previous requests by the Lubert-Adler organization. Salamander has put forth some more reasonable requests for the non-conforming use of the property. But at the end of the day, if the community at large of voters and tax-paying residents does not want to permit this expansion to the platted restrictions on the property, then it is proper for the Board of County Commissioners to give heavy weight to their concerns.

  3. Toby
    Toby says:

    Reply to digarnif

    There you go, trying to reframe the debate again.
    1. If I am a shill, it is on behalf of Flagler County, its taxpayers, its business community and its future; not for Lubert Adler or Salamander. I’m simply putting forth my thoughts on a very important controversy. I’ve written hundreds of articles about Lubert Adler over the past eight years; some favorable, some not.
    2. I did not claim that Salamander owns the property, but in fact, they are a partial owner. They have an equity interest. They are also the agent making the application and will likely supervise the project.
    3. I stand by my characterization of Southmayd. If having a strong opinion is bias, then I am biased. Logic led me to my conclusions, which I clearly stated. The fact that I disagree with you does not make me wrong (logically speaking, of course).
    4. Your response to the juxtaposition of questions statement cherry picks phrases from different portions of Devadas’s response. The truth is that if the status quo is not improved upon, something will have to happen. Among the possibilities are increased dues, reduced service levels and more differed maintenance. These are conditions that are incompatible with Salamander’s brand. Ultimately, another operator is almost a certainty and the financial impact that would drive that transition would be painful for everyone. Who would you rather have other than Salamander?
    5. Just by repeating the mantra that a hotel/lodge is a non-conforming use does not make it so. County staff has repeatedly supported the use as proposed.

  4. Toby
    Toby says:

    Reply to dlgarnif

    There you go, trying to re-frame the debate again.

    1. If I am a shill, it is on behalf of Flagler County, its taxpayers, its business community and its future; not for Lubert Adler or Salamander. I’m simply putting forth my thoughts on a very important controversy. I’ve written hundreds of articles about Lubert Adler over the past eight years; some favorable, some not.

    2. I did not claim that Salamander owns the property, but in fact, they are a partial owner. They have an equity interest. They are also the agent making the application and will likely supervise the project.

    3. I stand by my characterization of Southmayd. If having a strong opinion is bias, then I am biased. Logic led me to my conclusions, which I clearly stated. The fact that I disagree with you does not make me wrong (logically speaking, of course).

    4. Your response to the juxtaposition of questions statement cherry picks phrases from different portions of Devadas’s response. The truth is that if the status quo is not improved upon, something will have to happen. Among the possibilities are increased dues, reduced service levels and more diferred maintenance. These are conditions that are incompatible with Salamander’s brand. Ultimately, another operator is almost a certainty and the financial impact that would drive that transition would be painful for everyone. Who would you rather have other than Salamander?

    5. Just by repeating the mantra that a hotel/lodge is a non-conforming use does not make it so. County staff has repeatedly supported the use as proposed.

  5. george
    george says:

    nonsense

    The argument that HB and LA can’t make a reasonable profit without the proposed hotel is absurd. It also reflects poorly on your opinion of their business acumen.

  6. Debra Clark
    Debra Clark says:

    Hammock Resident

    I’m really tired of seeing your comments that seem to indicate the only disagreement going on here is between some residents of Ocean Hammock and Salamander. Being in real estate, one would think you would know that there are many other residents of the Hammock who strongly object to this proposed hotel. This project will destroy the quality of life for many of us who live here. But I can understand your support of this project. After all, what you see are dollar signs and you don’t live here!!!

  7. Toby
    Toby says:

    Reply to digernif

    There you go, trying to reframe the debate again.

    1. If I am a shill, it is on behalf of Flagler County, its taxpayers, its business community and its future; not for Lubert Adler or Salamander. I’m simply putting forth my thoughts on a very important controversy. I’ve written hundreds of articles about Lubert Adler over the past eight years; some favorable, some not.

    2. I did not claim that Salamander owns the property, but in fact, they are a partial owner. They have an equity interest. They are also the agent making the application and will likely supervise the project.

    3. I stand by my characterization of Southmayd. If having a strong opinion is bias, then I am biased. Logic led me to my conclusions, which I clearly stated. The fact that I disagree with you does not make me wrong (logically speaking, of course).

    4. Your response to the juxtaposition of questions statement cherry picks phrases from different portions of Devadas’s response. The truth is that if the status quo is not improved upon, something will have to happen. Among the possibilities are increased dues, reduced service levels and more deferred maintenance. These are conditions that are incompatible with Salamander’s brand. Ultimately, another operator is almost a certainty and the financial impact that would drive that transition would be painful for everyone. Who would you rather have other than Salamander?

    5. Just by repeating the mantra that a hotel/lodge is a non-conforming use does not make it so. County staff has repeatedly supported the use as proposed.

  8. All Voices Matter
    All Voices Matter says:

    Truths

    The BOCC voted to approved the Hammock Beach Resort years ago. The points being raised have been voted on long ago and the BOCC voted in favor of the Hammock Beach Project.

    The Flagler County staff has reviewed all aspects of the Salamander proposal and recommended approval. Staff recommendation means that the project conforms to all approved Agreements and meets existing requirements by Flagler County to expand and renovate the facility.

    The BOCC vote in January is not about the merits of the proposal but about politics. Commissioner votes will reflect their personal opinions on whether or not Hammock Beach is allowed to complete in the business and luxury market category. A No vote on the Salamander proposal affects everyone living in Flagler County that benefits from the taxes paid by Hammock Beach to support Flagler County Schools and every community support organization that draws on County funds to tourists supporting small businesses throughout Flagler County.

    This is not a dispute among Hammock Beach members – members voted overwhelmingly to support the proposed project – this proposal affects everyone in Flagler County. Every resident should let their voice be heard and let the BOCC know your personal opinion on the proposed project and its social and economic impact on the County. The final vote will determine Flagler County’s tax base and revenue stream for decades to come.

  9. TRH
    TRH says:

    Yes To The Salamander Proposal

    Toby,
    The majority of people that live in Hammock Beach support the Salamander proposal. This is the same majority that opposed the proposed changes 3 years ago. Why? Because this plan makes sense and doing nothing will result in an unacceptable outcome. The benefits have been well documented and the broad support by the residents and business community highlight these facts.
    Salamander has been transparent throughout the process and has made changes to the design that was recommended by the members and local community. I believe them to be a socially responsible and environmentally sensitive resort operator and will add significant value to our community. We are fortunate to have someone ready to invest $72million dollars to make us a world class destination. And of course there is something in it for them. Anyone willing to invest that kind of capital has every right to make money.
    Things that don’t evolve, grow, and change dies….and we don’t want that for our community or the county.

  10. John Crimmins
    John Crimmins says:

    Long time owner in HB

    Toby,
    Sorry you were labeled for reporting facts and having an opinion. When the opposition couldn’t spin or misrepresent the terrific response from Prem, that is what they resort to.
    Noone really talks about what all this “devastating” development to date has done to the wildlife in Hammock Beach. The 500 condos around the club, the 500 condos at Cinnamon Beach and the 1,000 homes and homesites have caused the following .I am forced to see Eagles, Hawks, Osprey varous kinds of Heron and Ducks, Egrets, Ibis, Alligators, Woodstorks and an occasional Bobcat, Spoonbill,Pelican and Sandhill Crane when I play golf.
    When I walk the paths in the undeveloped Hammock I see an occasional bird and lots of squirrels. It’s a pretty area, but just not the same.
    The turtle nest population has continued to grow since all this “devastating” development has started.
    During the week from Labor Day to Memorial day except for Holiday weeks and a month or so at spring break, you could shoot a cannon through the resort and not hit anyone. This is the slot they are trying to fill with quality convention business. Noone in the Hammock will be affected except the restaurants in a good way. The groups will come in the parkway, not on A1A and many will never leave the resort.
    No matter how much business acumen one has, Salamander can’t make it a year round family resort. Just not possible. This expansion is needed for the members, homeowners and the county. Salamander has the ability to build a first class environmentally friendly hotel that will attract quality business and keep the members experience a priority.
    Amelia island went bankrupt in 2009, was sold at auction and after Onni took over, added 100 plus hotel rooms and 15,000 square feet of meeting space and turned it into a year round profitable resort that has been a win win for everyone including improving property values.
    We need to approve this project so we can eliminate that middle step of going through bankruptcy and not throw th dice on who might be the new owner/operator.

  11. JQ
    JQ says:

    Here we go again!

    Well, where are all the pro development boys? Now the whole golf course is being requested to be re-zoned?

    Let’s throw out all rules, regulations, zoning, deed plat restrictions….forget about your fellow neighbor and Community for what…. self serving benefits?

    Are truth, honesty, integrity and binding agreements are a thing of the past?

    If someone can’t run a business effectively, please don’t come to the Community for a bailout….dont you think we have had enough of those for awhile?

  12. Kevin Hickey, DDS
    Kevin Hickey, DDS says:

    Hammock Beach Lodge

    I am in full support of the new Lodge proposal. All the “t’s” have been crossed and the “I’s” dotted. In my opinion Salamander has gone above and beyond and the advantages to the community, county and town are huge. Everybody benefits!

  13. Kevin Hickey, DDS
    Kevin Hickey, DDS says:

    Hammock Beach Lodge

    I am in full support of the new Lodge proposal. All the “t’s” have been crossed and the “I’s” dotted. In my opinion Salamander has gone above and beyond and the advantages to the community, county and town are huge. Everybody benefits!

  14. Judith Krasa
    Judith Krasa says:

    Hammock Beach Lodge Proposal

    We have been properly owners in the Hammock area for many years & strongly believe that the proposal for the Lodge project should be APPOVED! We feel assured that our community is fortunate to have the involvement of the Salamander group’s integrity & experience in conscientious, environmentally thoughtful & economically viable projects & over site. We have been to meetings & have followed the discussions & want to express our full support for this project & feel it is extremely important that the propsal is approved without further delay. We are unable to attend the January 12th meeting in person, but we will be there in spirit with full support!dis

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