Council approves annexation and mixed‑use concept for Clay Whaley Road property

The St. Cloud City Council unanimously approved annexation, future land‑use and zoning changes and a mixed‑use concept plan for the Clay Whaley Road Mixed Use project on Thursday. Melissa Dunklin, the city’s director of community development, told the council the development is “contiguous and reasonably compact” and consistent with the joint planning agreement with Osceola County. The applicant requested city mixed‑use designations for about 24.66 acres, and staff recommended approval. Planning Commission had also recommended approval. The concept plan submitted with the annexation shows roughly 400 multifamily units on 24.66 acres — an average of about 16 dwelling units per acre — a 1.25‑acre neighborhood center and amenity ponds. The council approved the annexation and related ordinances and the concept plan by separate motions, each carrying 5-0. Applicant John Adams of RJWA confirmed the team is “in full agreement with the staff’s report” and said construction documents are expected after council approval. Council members discussed connectivity to nearby future transportation projects and implementation timelines for Cross Prairie Parkway and the Nolte interchange, which staff said is on the Turnpike’s schedule for about 2028. No conditions beyond standard land‑development review were attached to the annexation and concept approvals; staff will process construction and permitting as the applicant advances the project.