The City Council held a first reading Tuesday on an ordinance to rezone about 4.6 acres on Dean Street from two‑family conservation (TFC‑2) to a residential planned development (RPD) to allow up to 42 dwelling units. The applicant and city staff reported they reached a mediated settlement that reduced density from a prior 48‑unit proposal to 42 units; council accepted the first reading and set the second reading for Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Noel Davies, attorney for the applicant Sagamore 955 RDF LLC, told council the revised master concept plan reflects concessions made during mediation under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act and includes layout, setback and amenity changes intended to address issues raised in prior hearings. City staff and outside counsel joined the mediation and recommended proceeding to second reading on the basis of the negotiated changes.

A registered speaker, neighbor Al Barrick, told the council he represents nearby residents who remain opposed and said a reduction from 48 to 42 units was not a meaningful concession to neighbors. Barrick said the neighborhood had organized a petition of more than 100 signatures, cited school‑traffic and infrastructure concerns, and asked the council to keep the existing TFC‑2 zoning and require the developer to plat by right if they wish to build under the current zoning.

Because the matter was presented as a first reading with a mediated settlement, council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; staff recorded testimony and scheduled the project for a second reading on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

Why it matters: The settlement reduces total units but does not finalize approval; the second reading will be a moment for the council to weigh the negotiated concessions against neighborhood concerns on traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Next steps: The ordinance returns for second reading Oct. 15; staff and the applicant will present final conditions and supporting documents for the council’s decision.