Nix Navarre Town Center plan?

Mixed emotions swirled around the Navarre Town Center plan as Santa Rosa County commissioners sought the public’s opinion on pressing forward with the controversial plan.

Commissioners Lane Lynchard, Jim Melvin and Jim Williamson fielded questions, heated comments and concerns from residents, most who were eager to see the plan dissipate.

Lynchard called the Town Center “a grand plan” and acknowledged that problems with the plan did exist, the worst of which was timing.

The plan was conceived by former Santa Rosa County commissioner Gordon Goodin, and implemented in 2004, before the economic downturn that hit the area and the country.

“We all want Navarre to prosper and to get better over time,” Lynchard said during Monday night’s town hall meeting at the Navarre Conference Center.  “We are seeking your input on the future of your community.”

Watch video excerpts from the town hall meeting:

For more on this story, see the June 16 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.