Palm Bay council defends growth strategy, cites infrastructure push and development shift

City Council member Richard “Mike” Hammer says Palm Bay has reversed years of unchecked development, prioritizing roads, infrastructure, and environmental protections.

Palm Bay, Florida – Palm Bay City Council member Richard “Mike” Hammer is pushing back against criticism of the city’s growth policies, stating that the current council has fundamentally shifted development priorities since taking office in November 2024. In a public message directed to residents, Hammer said the city is no longer approving projects that fail to meet infrastructure standards, emphasizing a “roads first” approach after decades of rapid expansion.

Hammer, who represents Seat #2 on the Palm Bay City Council, said previous administrations allowed housing growth to outpace infrastructure, contributing to traffic congestion and ...