‘Deserted parking lot’: Business owner criticizes Beachwalk developer over lack of progress; developer responds

May 22, 2026 - 21:59

The owner, whose restaurant is located within the development, says that after years of construction and marketing hype, much of the planned commercial and residential space remains unfinished. He described the current state of Beachwalk as a ghost town, with vast empty lots and incomplete buildings that have failed to draw the crowds needed to sustain local businesses. "We were sold a vision of a vibrant, bustling community," he said. "Right now, it feels like we are sitting in an abandoned construction site."

The developer has responded to the criticism, acknowledging the delays but attributing them to a combination of supply chain issues, labor shortages, and shifting market conditions. In a statement, a representative for the project insisted that progress is ongoing, with new phases of residential construction set to break ground soon. They argued that the lagoon and the completed portions of the development are already attracting visitors, and that the full vision will take time to materialize.

The restaurant owner remains skeptical, warning that without faster action, the development risks losing its early momentum and the trust of the small business owners who bet on its success.