Brevard County commissioners voted 5-2 last month to deny a permit for an 82-unit townhome project on 16 acres near the Sebastian Inlet, marking the second rejection of the proposal. The development, which would include 10 acres of preserved wetlands, has faced opposition from nearby residents and environmental groups since 2022.
The project, proposed by Suntree-based developer Coastal Living Properties, was first denied in 2023 over concerns about traffic, stormwater runoff, and impacts on protected dune ecosystems. County Manager Steve Crim said the latest vote reflects 'continued community concerns about density and environmental risks.'
Residents like Jane Doe, a 20-year Suntree resident, called the project 'a threat to our quality of life.' She and others have organized multiple public meetings, citing fears of increased traffic congestion on nearby State Road 520 and potential harm to nesting sites for endangered species.
Developer representatives argued the project includes 40% affordable housing units and would create 150 construction jobs. But commissioners cited a 2024 study showing similar developments in the area have led to a 25% increase in local traffic during peak hours. The county will now work with the developer to address concerns or explore alternative sites.