In a recent public hearing, local officials discussed a proposed zoning map amendment for a 1.96-acre parcel of land located at the intersection of Stadium Drive and County Road 152. The amendment seeks to rezone the area from agricultural to townhome (TH) zoning district, aligning with the community's mixed density neighborhood plan.

The site, situated north of Highway 971 and near Berry Springs Park and Preserve, is currently characterized by a mix of agricultural land and large lot residential properties. The surrounding area includes townhome and duplex developments to the south, which are zoned for multifamily use but have been developed at lower densities than permitted. This reflects a transitional phase in the neighborhood's development, moving towards a more residential character.

The proposed townhome development would consist of attached structures with a minimum of three and a maximum of six homes in a row, each occupying smaller lots of approximately 2,000 square feet. The maximum height for these buildings is set at 35 feet. The zoning amendment aims to facilitate a diverse range of housing types, which is a key component of the mixed density neighborhood strategy.

Officials noted that the zoning change would allow for various uses, including single-family attached homes and group homes, while certain facilities, such as hospice or halfway houses, would require special use permits. The proposal was reviewed against the city's Unified Development Code (UDC) criteria, indicating a thorough evaluation process.

As the community continues to evolve, this zoning amendment represents a significant step towards accommodating a growing population and enhancing the area's residential offerings. Further discussions and evaluations will follow as the proposal moves through the approval process.