The Escambia County Commission will hold a hearing this week on an ordinance preserving the Navy Point homeowners’ ownership of the public park and reinforcing existing restrictive covenants already in place for the subdivision. District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler is sponsoring the ordinance.
. Read Navy Point Park Ordinance.
- The ordinance sends a firm message to potential developers that the 60-acre waterfront park is not for sale.
Details
The ordinance forbids the construction of any new structures in the park areas, including wharves, docks, piers, and boathouses. The Board of County Commissioners cannot sell or transfer any portion of the dedicated park areas.
- And the kicker: The ordinance can only be repealed by a unanimous vote of the Board of County Commissioners.
Background
Over the years, several commissioners have lobbied behind the scenes for public and private projects in the unique park on Bayou Grande, with its 2.5-mile paved, tree-lined trail, benches, and playgrounds.
What has stopped redevelopment of the park is that Escambia County doesn’t own the property. The county is the steward, identified as holder on the plat, of Navy Point Park. The Navy Point Subdivision is the actual owner. The plat clearly designates the 60 acres as “park” for public use. For more than 80 years, Navy Point Park has been a hub for locals and visitors to walk dogs, enjoy leisurely strolls, and host informal gatherings.
- A real estate attorney explained that “holder” means the county administers the public’s easement rights but does not own the fee title.
The Escambia County Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in commission chambers at 221 Palafox Place. The public forum starts at 4:30 p.m.
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