Bay Harbor Islands residents and town officials expressed concerns over the transfer of development rights of over 80 units to three new building projects at a monthly meeting on Feb.11.

Fear of over-development was on the minds of those who spoke out against the approval of these transactions.

Until what point do you continue to approve projects and TDRs? said Susan Luck, Bay Harbor Islands resident.

The transfer of development rights created for historical preservation and the creation and preservation of public open spaces in urban areas was first allowed in Bay Harbor Islands in 2005. Essentially, it allows property owners to sell their entitled development rights of the air above open spaces or undeveloped buildings.

Some Bay Harbor Islands citizens fear bigger and denser projects being built because of the use of TDRs.

I think we are thoughtful citizens. We are being mindful of the community we are growing old in, Luck said.

Some town officials justified the use of a TDR program as being controlled.

We have very low height limits. We have low density limits. You have very small lots. There is only so much you can build here, said town planner Michael Miller.

Miller spoke in response to concerns by some town council members such as Councilwoman Stephanie Bruder, who questioned him on whether the town was being mindful of avoiding a seesaw effect with one side of the island developed more heavily than the other.

Resident and professional designer Teri DAmico questioned town officials on the origin of the TDRs.

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Bay Harbor Islands residents raise overdevelopment fears