During the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on July 22, 2025, significant discussions centered around a proposed future land use map amendment and zoning change for properties in East Palatka. The applicant, Steve Stratton Inc., sought to amend the land use designation from agriculture to urban service and rezone from planned unit development (PUD) and agriculture to commercial general (C-3). This change aims to facilitate the revitalization of the RPRC Park and the development of low-impact offices and warehousing for tradesmen, including outdoor storage.

Planning staff member Zachary Baker presented the application, highlighting that the properties in question are located along State Road 207 and Cracker Swamp Dirt Road. The area currently features minimal development, with some parcels governed by an existing PUD agreement. Baker noted that the proposed amendments align with the county's comprehensive plan and are compatible with surrounding developments. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of both applications unanimously, with a condition for the developer to post operational hours on-site.

Commissioner Harvey raised questions about the transition from PUD to C-3 zoning, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intended use of the properties. Baker clarified that while the zoning change would apply to all four parcels included in the application, the specifics of the development would be reviewed by the Development Review Committee (DRC) to ensure compliance with regulations.

The BOCC ultimately voted unanimously to approve both the future land use map amendment and the zoning change, signaling a step forward in the development process for the area.

In addition to the primary discussion on the land use amendment, the meeting also addressed a proposed text amendment to the Land Development Code (LDC). This amendment aimed to modify the DRC review process for PUD applications, suggesting that the review occur only after the Board grants entitlements. However, the Planning Commission had recommended denial of this amendment, citing concerns about maintaining community protections and ensuring thorough scrutiny of complex projects.

The BOCC's deliberations highlighted the balance between facilitating development and safeguarding community interests. As the county anticipates growth, the discussions reflect ongoing efforts to streamline processes while ensuring responsible development that aligns with the community's needs and values. The next steps will involve further public hearings to address the proposed text amendment and its implications for future developments in Putnam County.