Coming on the heels of three deaths over the last few months, Palm Bay leaders are scheduled to meet next week to talk about ongoing issues in the Compound area of the city.


What You Need To Know

  • In the city of Palm Bay, there's a large plot of overgrown land known as the Compound

  • Some residents say they appreciate the wide open spaces

  • But officials say several people have died in the area, and locals want something done

Members of the City Council say they want to meet with the public to talk about potential solutions to issues surrounding the undeveloped area.

Bill McLain comes to the Compound often to fly his small radio controlled planes. He says it's ideal because there's plenty of room to take off and land, but it's not been maintained.

"It's been neglected and overrun with tall grass," he said.

Officials say that for 30 years, the area has sat untouched since the site's developer went bankrupt. The plot of land in question has an area of 12 square miles, nearly 2,800 acres, and includes about 200 miles of roadway.

It's mostly privately owned and zoned residential. The city of Palm Bay only owns 235 acres, and the area has seen it's share of problems.

Officials say that over the years, there have been ATV and dirt bike accidents, and just within the last few months, at least three deaths.

Two teens were shot and killed on one of the isolated streets on Christmas Day. Investigators say no arrests have been made in the case.

Earlier this month, police say a woman's boyfriend — who was later arrested — shot and dismembered her, then left her burned body in the compound. 

The Palm Bay City Council is holding a public workshop to discuss was to address the property's issues. They say one possibility is buying it and creating an ATV park.

McLain says he's confident a solution can be found.

"I think they can, but the discussion needs to be had," he said.

The property will be discussed by the City Council on Marh 30 at 6:00 p.m.