Sanford commission approves first-reading changes to Cedar Point (Thornbrook) planned development, limits set for conditional uses

The Sanford City Commission on Oct. 13 approved first-reading amendments to the Cedar Point planned development (known as Thornbrook) that let the developer seek more intensive commercial uses on three parcels along State Road 46 and also allowed a separate request to permit condominium-style small-unit warehouses on two parcels fronting White Cedar Road, subject to new conditions and follow-up review.

City planning staff, the developer and residents spent more than two hours at the meeting debating compatibility, buffers and oversight before the commission voted to permit both changes at first reading with conditions meant to limit impacts on adjacent homes.

Staff and Planning & Zoning findings

Eileen Henson, the city’s planning director, told the commission the overall PD was originally adopted in 2013 and that the requested amendments are divided into two distinct parts: the three parcels fronting State Road 46 (parcels 1–3) and the two parcels on White Cedar Road (parcels 8–9). Henson said Planning & Zoning recommended approval of the changes on 46, subject to conditions and a development order, but unanimously recommended denial of the White Cedar parcels because of incompatibility with adjacent single-family homes and the PD’s original restrictions. Henson said the P&Z vote on the 46 parcels was 5–2 in favor; the 46-side recommendation would allow GC2 uses with the ability to apply for conditional uses and would require added review at the commission level for higher-impact proposals.

Applican…