Developers defend Beach Avenue work as residents press for stronger tree protections

Public comment at the June 8 Atlantic Beach commission meeting centered on development activity on Beach Avenue and the city’s pending tree‑protection code update.

Nathan Gray, speaking for Pivot Construction, said recent criticisms of work in the Beach Avenue area were "completely false," adding that the lots are complex and that the contractor had removed sand and performed tree mitigation rather than paying into the mitigation fund. "This idea that we're coming in and clear cutting these lots, and that we're not doing tree mitigation, also completely false," Gray said and submitted four photos for the public record.

Amy Gray, who identified herself as owner at 2010 Beach Avenue and the owner of a neighboring lot, said Pivot Construction has worked with the city on water‑mitigation plans, tree mitigation and surveys and that she looks forward to finishing the properties.

Resident Nancy Stotts urged the commission to tighten the tree protection code now, asking for lower DBH thresholds for mitigation, higher mitigation fees and better procedures to ensure the city updates local ordinances promptly when state law changes. "I think citizens are rightfully a bit concerned about where we're going, the direction we're headed, the pace at which we're headed there," Stotts said.

In staff reports and discussion, Neighborhoods Director Amanda Askew confirmed staff will provide a map overlaying tree canopy and the public right‑of‑way to help the commission and residents visualize impacts. Commissioners debated whether protections should focus on old‑growth live oaks or include other large trees, and asked staff to bring written options (including DBH thresholds and setback protections) and to invite an arborist for technical briefings.

Why it matters: Beach Avenue was described by speakers as nearly 100% impervious in places, creating local drainage concerns; residents want stronger protections for tree canopy and higher mitigation fees while developers say current lots are grandfathered and that they are implementing mitigation measures.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the right‑of‑way/canopy overlay and return with draft code language, arborist input and mitigation fee proposals at a future meeting (phase 1 of the ordinance focuses on live oaks).