Clary Park rezoning sparks new commercial development plans

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a zoning application for approximately 6.1 acres along Willow Oak Trail and Robert Rose Drive, proposed to be rezoned from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to Commercial Highway (CH) and General Development Zero One (GD 01). The applicant, Heinz Clary Park Land Holdings, LLC, highlighted the growing demand for commercial land in the Clary Park area, particularly as existing commercial developments have seen rapid progress.

The proposed rezoning aims to convert land previously designated for residential use into commercial space, aligning with the area's future land use map, which identifies it as suitable for employment-generating activities. This shift is intended to facilitate the development of retail and restaurant establishments, reflecting the established commercial pattern in Clary Park.

The meeting also addressed the implications of the Gateway Design Overlay District, which will impose restrictions on the types of businesses allowed in the newly zoned area. Additionally, it was noted that a supplemental declaration would be recorded to ensure that the same restrictions applicable to existing commercial properties on Medical Center Parkway would extend to this new site.

City officials are set to schedule a public hearing for September 4 to further discuss the application. The meeting concluded with inquiries about previous residential zoning decisions in the area, clarifying that the current proposal does not affect those earlier decisions. The applicant has also indicated interest from potential hotel users for the site, committing to exclude drive-thru restaurants from future developments.