The meeting commenced with a conversation about parking challenges at Anglers Reef. Council member Buddy Bender proposed a strategy to alleviate these issues by relocating trailers to a marine facility and encouraging homeowners associations to manage designated parking areas. This proposal resonated with concerns expressed by Scott, the president of the homeowners association at Anglers Reef, who highlighted the longstanding parking constraints exacerbated during peak times such as Thanksgiving. Scott outlined the association’s willingness to maintain any designated parking spaces.

Council members showed unanimous support for Bender’s proposal, with Vice Mayor Don Horton suggesting the use of pervious paving materials to enhance stormwater management. The council discussed the potential benefit of conducting a village-wide parking study and agreed on the necessity of involving the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure regulatory compliance.

In parallel, the council deliberated on a temporary moratorium initially approved by a previous council concerning administrative relief applications. Council members were confronted with the decision to either maintain, modify, or withdraw the moratorium, following concerns from the Department of Commerce about its compliance with the village’s comprehensive plan. Vice Mayor Horton and member Bender both emphasized the need to lift the moratorium, arguing that it had placed undue burdens on citizens awaiting administrative relief for over four years. They advocated for allowing these individuals to proceed with their plans, highlighting the substantial personal investments made by affected residents.

Ty Harris, representing a law firm, addressed the council on parking and beautification challenges in Windley Key, emphasizing the need for expedited zoning amendments to facilitate an affordable housing project. Harris highlighted the constraints imposed by current zoning, which limits the use of the Liv Local program, stressing the importance of adapting the comprehensive plan to accommodate rising construction and property costs.

The council also faced appeals from residents concerned about existing and proposed zoning changes. Joe Wishm and Sue Miller, among others, voiced apprehensions about the legality of agenda items and the potential long-term impacts of council decisions on community dynamics and the environment.

Further into the meeting, a focus was placed on zoning changes for properties owned by Windley Cove LLC and Windley Isles LLC. The council approved amendments to the future land use and zoning maps, facilitating the conversion of hotel/motel units into affordable housing. The planning director clarified that these changes aligned with the comprehensive plan, allowing for an additional market-rate unit and up to five affordable housing units. The council underscored the importance of ensuring these developments comply with existing regulations and contribute positively to the community’s housing needs.

A proposed redevelopment project involving The Islander Resort also drew discussion. The project aimed to transition hotel units into multi-family affordable housing, sparking debates over traffic implications, environmental impact, and the adequacy of affordable housing provisions. While some community members supported the initiative, others raised concerns about increased density and potential disruptions to local neighborhoods. The council ultimately approved the zoning change and major conditional use with a narrow vote.