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Apopka council delays decision on 2501 Rock Springs development after traffic and compatibility concerns
Summary
Councilors continued two companion items — a small‑scale future‑land‑use amendment and a rezoning for a proposed 9.63‑acre subdivision on Rock Springs Road — after residents and at least one commissioner questioned compatibility with nearby low‑density parcels and school traffic; both items were continued to June 18 with a 3–1 vote.
The Apopka City Council on June 4 postponed final action on a proposed 18‑lot residential development at 2501 Rock Springs Road after council members and residents raised questions about traffic, compatibility with surrounding low‑density properties and Wekiva‑area protections.
Planner Junson told the council the applicant seeks a small‑scale future‑land‑use amendment (from county rural to city Residential Very Low Suburban) and a rezoning from Transitional to RSF‑1B for a 9.63‑acre parcel. The requested city designation would allow up to two dwelling units per acre; the developer’s plan proposes 18 lots about 85 feet wide, with reported starting home prices near $850,000.
Elizabeth Crane, representing the applicant, presented the proposed site plan and said the developer intends to “keep and save as many of the existing trees as possible,” to install a lift station and provide neighborhood amenities such as a dog walk and gazebo. Miguel Calle, an investor representing the owner, said he had placed informal signs and received initial buyer interest; he told councilors he did not expect the 18 homes to create the kind of traffic gridlock some residents predicted.
Several residents urged caution. Commissioner Nesta said the proposed density is not comparable with adjacent parcels on the east side of Rock Springs Road, which are largely agricultural and larger lots. Residents and speakers said existing school‑dropoff congestion on Rock Springs was already severe and questioned whether a small subdivision would worsen the problem. Public commenters urged that a traffic study and mitigation — including a required right‑turn lane for the site — be completed and considered before a decision.
Junson and planning staff noted the parcel is within the Wekiva study/protection area; the city’s comprehensive plan limits maximum density in that area to two units per acre. Staff said the project meets city code requirements for annexed properties and that required technical studies (traffic, drainage, environmental, geotechnical) would be part of the development‑review process.
After extended public comment and exchange with staff, the council voted to continue both the future‑land‑use amendment (Ordinance 3,098) and the rezoning (Ordinance 3,099) to the June 18 meeting. The motion to continue passed 3–1, with Commissioner Nesta voting in opposition.
What council members said and asked indicates the major outstanding issues: whether the proposed lot sizes and density are compatible with abutting county parcels, the traffic impacts during school drop‑off and pickup times, and drainage/flooding concerns raised by nearby homeowners. Staff noted a traffic‑study and right‑turn‑lane requirement in the land‑development code and said drainage and environmental analyses will be required as part of review.
The items are legislative land‑use decisions; staff emphasized the council’s role in making a policy judgment about compatibility and whether annexed parcels should receive city future‑land‑use and zoning assignments allowed under state and local rules. The council set a continuation date of June 18 for the final public hearing and action.
The council did not adopt either ordinance on June 4.
