The St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including public comments on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan and a proposed seawall development.

During the public comment segment, local resident BJ Calady raised concerns regarding the West City CRA plan. Calady urged the board to reconsider the allocation of tax dollars for projects affecting Oyster Creek, emphasizing the need to preserve its natural state and address ongoing maintenance issues. She expressed dissatisfaction with the current use of funds, suggesting that they should focus on cleaning up blight in West Augustine rather than on new developments like a parking garage. Calady also advocated for restrictions on parking and dining on West King Street, citing safety concerns due to narrow sidewalks.

Following public comments, the board moved to discuss a specific application for a seawall at 28 North St. Augustine Boulevard. The applicant, Steve Lawrence, presented plans to construct a seawall on top of an existing bulkhead, which would include 50 linear feet of seawall and 70 linear feet of new sidewalk. Board members inquired about drainage patterns and the height of the proposed seawall, which is set to be 30 inches tall, lower than adjacent walls. The applicant confirmed that no fill would be used in the construction and that four check valves would be installed to manage water flow.

The board members expressed general support for the seawall project, with no objections raised from neighboring property owners. The discussion highlighted the board's commitment to balancing development with community concerns, particularly regarding environmental preservation and public safety.

As the meeting concluded, the board approved the minutes from previous meetings and moved forward with the agenda, indicating a proactive approach to addressing both community feedback and development proposals in St. Augustine.