Navarre Town Center no more?

The Navarre Town Center Plan came into existence largely because of public input and desire.

Ironically, its possible demise is stemming from the same source, though years later.

During the Monday Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners’ committee meeting, Chairman Lane Lynchard said public input should lead the process of changing the Town Center plans because it was public input that guided the adoption of the plans.

“We’re kind of approaching it now from the standpoint that we’re going to do away with it because of the perception that it’s a hindrance to growth and development in Navarre,” he said.

Commissioner Bob Cole said he wanted to make sure enough public input existed to justify spending county funds to go through another public hearing process in order to amend or eliminate the ordinance.

Commissioner Jim Melvin attended the two pubic hearings held in Navarre to gauge public opinion on the matter. He said the people in his district wanted to eliminate the plans.

“The public is very adamant about this,” he said. “…We heard what the public had to say about it loud and clear.”

For more on this story, see the July 28 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.