"The development team asked the board of Briny Breezes for anextension so that we could further evaluate the issues ofcompatibility and density, as extensively detailed by the FloridaDepartment of Community Affairs (DCA) in their response to theTown's Comprehensive Plan Amendment," H. Logan Pierson, OceanLand's vice president of acquisitions, says in a statement. "Amongother reasons, the additional time was requested to enable us tomeet with relevant civic and political leaders so that we couldrespond to the concerns of the DCA and of our neighbors. Though wecertainly respect the board's decision, we are disappointed thatthey did not recognize the need for these extra days. The DCAprocess has been extraordinary in its depth and detail. Ourresponse must be as rigorous and thorough.

"To say that we are saddened with Briny's reluctance to grant usan extension is a tremendous understatement," Pierson adds. "Theextra time would permit us to confer with the neighboringcommunities, which is clearly mandated by the recent DCA report.Meeting with the neighboring towns and interested parties is anintegral part of the process as well as the most timeconsuming."

He explains that during due diligence, Ocean Land executiveslearned that the company's original plan for Briny Breezes wouldhave to be reduced. He adds that the company still supports theBriny Breezes redevelopment and Ocean Land executives have askedPalm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty for help in meetingwith neighboring towns Gulf Stream and Ocean Ridge to address someconcerns, which has been set for Aug. 22, according to arelease.