Public reckoning at Suni Sands
In this edition of Palm Beach Stories, we share the tale of a prime piece of prime waterfront land that's stirring intense emotions among historical preservationists and Native American tribes.
Jupiter board rejects development on historic land
In my experience, stories about proposed developments can be real yawners. Sure, they’re important because, after all, they can impact traffic, add to a town’s tax base and change the character of a neighborhood.
But chronicling development plans as they make their way through the layered governmental permitting process usually does not qualify as compelling or emotional reading.
Then along came developer Charles Modica with plans for a mixed-use development on one of the last undeveloped privately-owned pieces of real estate on the Jupiter waterfront.
His “legacy” project calls for townhomes, waterfront cottages, an historic inn and a restaurant on 10 acres he bought for nearly $16 million in 2013.
Sounds wonderful.
Except for its location — on land directly linked both to the town’s origins and to its earliest inhabitants.
Thanks to a tip from a local historic preservation group, I attended public hearings late last year and early this year on Modica’s request to the Jupiter Historic Resources Review Board for a formal request to dig near an ancient indian midden.
What the board decided was something I’d never encountered in 31 years as a reporter. No teaser alerts! You’ll have to read my story, and I think it will be worth your while.
And thanks to Mr. Modica for taking me on a personal tour of the site a few days before Christmas, which give me a better understanding of the complexities of an unusual case that’s almost certainly headed to a courtroom.
Want more local history stories?
Nearly a year ago, I attended a ceremony at Riverbend Park in Jupiter where members of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma made a rare Florida visit to retrace their ancestors’ steps on the original Trail of Tears.
Many of the preservation groups who attended that ceremony last April are involved in the current fight to save Suni Sands from Mr. Modica’s development plan. The story I wrote last year offers some perspective on the Jupiter area’s rich history and how it connects with Suni Sands.
For another taste of South Florida history, read about Ashley Gang and an exhibit at the Elliott Museum in Stuart that tells the story about the early 20th-century outlaws.
(Yes, there is an explanation about that glass eye in the photo!)
For more great Palm Beach Stories, visit ByJoeCapozzi.com.