Martin County — A multi-million dollar renovation to Palm City’s Meridian Marina and Yacht Club is moving forward after several neighbors support renovating the previously neglected facility.
The county board on Tuesday unanimously approved the addition of dry boat storage for 215 boats and a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, reducing the existing sales and operations office to 2,400 square feet. The marina has 540 indoor and outdoor racks for boats up to 55 feet.
more:New owners plan $10 million renovation of Palm City’s Meridian marina and yacht club
Stuart development:Stuart approves $80 million yacht club, St. Lucie River marina, with decorative lighthouse demolished
Catch report:What kind of summer slowdown?Snapper, amberjack and sailfish activate the bite
Additionally, the proposed restaurant must return before the commission for another vote before construction begins.
“The marina is a vibrant community of boaters, neighbors, marina team members and guests who interact with each other during the first and second halves of the day,” said Austin Cameron. Our goal is to make our neighbors happy.”
The approval comes nearly a year and a half after Jenny and Austin Cameron of Texas-based VIP Marinas purchased the marina and yacht club on Southwest Chapman Way for $9 million. His 11-acre land on the St. Lucie River was nearly foreclosed and needed various repairs.
Since taking ownership, the Camerons have installed a new roof and siding on the existing barn to repair damage from the 2017 hurricane, and reopened the marina’s service shop, which is leased through a service company. they said.
They plan to have the boat for sale in about three years and add a 2,400-square-foot ship store to the planned restaurant area.
Existing members of the marina and yacht club as well as nearby residents applauded the Camerons for fixing what they said was an eyesore in the neighborhood. Rob Lord, former president of his clinic Martin Health in Cleveland, was one of many who spoke at Tuesday’s conference.
“I was very impressed with their commitment to being good neighbors. They sought us out and asked for our feedback,” Lorde said.
Commissioner Sarah Hurd voted in favor of the renovation, but expressed concerns about the project’s suitability with surrounding residential areas and the flexibility of the development code’s parking, height and roof requirements. Staff claimed it was up to county standards.
“Commercial use next to residential use is never (incompatible),” she said. “They cause conflict everywhere we see them.”
Lina Ruiz is a watchdog reporter for TCPalm in Martin County. To reach her on her Twitter, please contact [email protected]. @Lina_Ruiz48 or 321-501-3845