Feather Bay Resort current owners and developers approached the Brown County Commissioner’s Court Monday regarding a planned phase III expansion of Feather Bay.
Richard Solis, representing 3D Resorts, the current owner of Feather Bay Development, brought a proposed plat for the commissioners to review and briefed commissioners on their phase III plans. If the plat is approved, 467 lots would be available in sizes ranging from 0.19 ac. and larger. There would be 20,000 linear feet of roads and the project would have a central water and sewer system.
Solis spoke of the 9 completed holes of golf currently available on the Feather Bay Golf Course and the additional 9 that are planned for completion in the future. Ken Martin with Jacob & Martin Engineering was also present and outlined plans for the central sewer system.Commissioner Richard Gist and Judge Ray West commented on previous owners’ plans and the disappointments faced by the land owners and current homeowners in Feather Bay. They asked Solis and Martin about what can help guarantee that the work will be done, asking if bonds would be sold, or what other security would be offered.
“The main thing the county needs to know is where we stand if you default, worst case scenario,” stated Judge West.
“Letters of credit would be secured before the plat is recorded,” assured Solis. He explained that these letters of credit would be callable by the county if for some reason the developer defaulted in the plans and agreement with the county. Solis compared the letters of credits to bonds that the county has with contractors.
Judge West asked about the utilities available in the area. Solis stated that electric lines are available to tie into for service and that Brookesmith SUD would be the water supplier.
“They said there is enough capacity to serve Feather Bay,” said Solis of BSUD’s ability to serve the future owners of the lots that would be developed.
“It would be a much better picture or overview if we had a master plan,” stated Commissioner Gist.
Solis replied, “The master plan is in place now, it was completed over the past two years.”
Solis also explained that the development would take about 2-4 years to complete; however, the result would be adding $12-16 million in properties to the county’s tax rolls.
“We’ll work with you,” said Judge West to Solis and the others represented in the development of Feather Bay Phase III.
Commissioners requested to review Feather Bay’s master plan before approving the plat. The owners agreed to provide the requested information in a future meeting of the Commissioners Court.
