City Council reviews Costco fuel facility rezoning proposal at St. John's Town Center

The City of Jacksonville's Land Use and Zoning Committee convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning proposal for a new Costco fuel facility. The meeting highlighted the proposed change from an existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) to a new PUD, which would allow for a members-only fuel station on approximately 13.9 acres of land located within the St. John's Town Center.

The staff report presented during the meeting indicated that the rezoning aligns with the city's comprehensive plan and meets necessary compatibility factors. The new facility is set to be integrated into the existing Costco retail store, with development standards remaining consistent with the previous PUD, including setbacks and landscaping.

Key discussions included the anticipated traffic impact of the new facility. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the application and noted concerns regarding traffic congestion in the area. However, they unanimously approved the proposal, contingent upon a required traffic circulation study to assess potential impacts.

Steve Debonau, representing Costco, provided additional insights into the expected traffic flow, stating that the facility would generate approximately 56 peak hour trips in the morning and 77 in the evening. He emphasized that the facility would only serve Costco members, which would help mitigate traffic increases, as many customers would already be visiting the store.

The committee ultimately moved to close the public hearing and proceed with the proposal, reflecting a positive outlook on the development's alignment with community needs and traffic management strategies. The next steps will involve further evaluations based on the traffic study and final approvals from the city council.