Bank of America seeks variance for new ATM kiosk in Black facility parking lot

The Planning Board of Palatka, Florida, convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss a proposal from Bank of America to install a drive-up ATM kiosk at a site previously occupied by a restaurant. This meeting followed the bank's closure of its facility at 620 State Road in January 2025, prompting the need for a new service location within the city.

The proposal involves rezoning the property from general commercial (C-1) to intensive commercial (C-2), which was approved by the Planning Board in November 2024 and subsequently by the City Commission in January 2025. The ATM kiosk is planned to be situated in the parking lot area shared with several businesses, including Marisco and El Concedico.

During the meeting, board members raised concerns about the potential impact of the ATM's location on traffic flow and visibility at the intersection. The proposed site is positioned approximately 15 feet from the right-of-way line, which staff indicated would not obstruct visibility for drivers. However, some board members questioned whether the design could be improved to enhance traffic circulation without requiring variances.

The applicant's representatives explained that alternative configurations would necessitate significant redesign of the parking lot, potentially eliminating several parking spaces and complicating traffic patterns. They argued that the current proposal minimizes disruption to the existing layout while still meeting the necessary setback requirements.

The board discussed various criteria for granting a variance, including whether the proposed location would create undue hardship or special privileges compared to other properties in the area. Staff noted that the requested variance was largely self-induced, as sufficient space exists to meet the required setbacks without the need for a variance.

In conclusion, the Planning Board's deliberations highlighted the balance between facilitating new business developments and ensuring safe traffic conditions. The board will continue to evaluate the proposal and its implications for the surrounding community as they move forward with the decision-making process.