Saint Cloud City Council approves settlement with Hickory Tree Industrial to cease operations

In a pivotal St. Cloud City Council meeting on March 13, 2025, the council addressed a significant settlement agreement with Hickory Tree Industrial LLC, aimed at resolving a contentious dispute over land use and zoning changes for a property located south of US Highway 192. The council's decision follows a lengthy process initiated after the city denied a land use amendment and zoning change in February 2023, which led to a challenge under Florida's 70.51 statute.

The settlement agreement proposes to change the land use designation from commercial to industrial and rezone the property from highway business to Industrial Park District I-3. This change is crucial as it aligns with a special magistrate's recommendation that deemed the city's previous denial of the land use change as "unreasonable" and "unfairly burdensome" to the property owner. Notably, the agreement stipulates that the existing concrete crushing facility on the site must cease operations within 45 days, a point emphasized by city officials and residents alike.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the implications of the settlement, particularly regarding the reduction of code enforcement fines, which have accrued to approximately $126,000. The applicant proposed a reduction to about $12,500, which some council members found insufficient given the property's ongoing non-compliance with city codes.

Public comments reflected community apprehensions, with residents voicing their frustrations over noise and dust pollution from the concrete facility. Many expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed changes and the potential for future industrial activities in the area. The council acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any future developments adhere to strict performance standards and community expectations.

As the council deliberated, they highlighted the necessity of balancing economic development with the well-being of local residents. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, particularly in terms of zoning regulations and community impact assessments. The council is expected to vote on the settlement agreement and related ordinances in the coming weeks, with significant implications for the future of industrial development in St. Cloud.