In a recent government meeting, a rezoning request for a property in District 2 was discussed, focusing on a variance needed for an access road. The property, currently zoned Agricultural Use (AU), is seeking to be rezoned to Residential Urban (RU 19) to facilitate access to a larger parcel intended for a single-family residential development.

Sam Sabali from Florida Engineering Group presented the application, explaining that the access road, measuring 50 feet wide, does not meet the RU 19 requirement of a minimum lot width of 66 feet, thus necessitating the variance. The access road is intended solely for utility and roadway access, with no residential structures planned on this portion of the property.

Concerns were raised by local residents, including Peggy Townsend, who lives adjacent to the proposed access road. Townsend expressed fears about potential flooding and noise from increased traffic, as the road would be close to her home. She highlighted existing drainage issues and the risk of a canal forming near her property if the land is raised for the road. Another resident, Lynell Johnson, echoed these concerns, stating uncertainty about future developments on the property and their impact on nearby homes.

In response, Sabali assured the board that proper drainage systems would be implemented and that the roadway would not occupy the entire 50-foot access area, leaving space for buffers. He confirmed that the main parcel would host approximately 22 homes, which would generate some traffic but is not expected to be excessive.

The board members acknowledged the residents' concerns while emphasizing that the meeting's focus was on the access road's zoning. The proposal will require further review and public input as development plans progress.