From the Times-Union (http://jacksonville.com/business/real-estate/2012-01-03/story/former-atlantic-beach-planning-director-sonya-doerr-dies). I had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Doerr. She will be missed.
Former Atlantic Beach planning director Sonya Doerr dies of cancer
Posted: January 3, 2012 - 4:25pm | Updated: January 4, 2012 - 7:02am
By Drew Dixon
Sonya Lee Doerr, a staple in Beaches government for a decade, died Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer. She was 54.
Ms. Doerr, who died at a hospice in Franklin, Ky., had been planning and zoning director of Atlantic Beach from 2001 to 2011, when she resigned because of complications from the cancer.
She oversaw many of the land-use disputes over Johnston Island, where developers wanted to build a condominium complex on the spit of land in the Intracoastal Waterway under the Atlantic Boulevard bridge. That development still hasn’t happened due to a sluggish
economy.
At the behest of the City Commission, she also drafted a controversial ordinance that would have restricted how much of a property parcel landowners could build on. That measure was approved by the commission in 2006, but then was overturned in 2008 after different members were elected to the board.
Ms. Doerr had battled with cancer for years, at one point wearing a baseball cap to work because of her chemotherapy.
“She had extensive experience in planning and zoning,†Atlantic Beach City Manager Jim Hanson said Tuesday. “She was a very dedicated professional. She did a lot of good things for our community.â€
Ms. Doerr had previously worked in zoning departments in St. Johns County and Louisville, Ky.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/business/real-estate/2012-01-03/story/former-atlantic-beach-planning-director-sonya-doerr-dies#ixzz1iUuSmb4T
I knew her also. I am sad to see this. She was very level-headed and effective in her role. You are right - she will be missed.
I never knew her, but I can attest that Atlantic Beach is the best beach community within 100 miles in either direction. Probably much further. She must have played a positive role.