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Sunshine Solar proposes solar‑powered cold storage in Adamsville; nearby property owners support redevelopment after 2024 storm damage
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Summary
Sunshine Solar Cold Storage asked to rezone a 10.75‑acre site near U.S. 41 for a 154,000‑square‑foot solar‑integrated cold storage facility, proposing design, buffering and masonry walls to address adjacent single‑family neighborhoods; several nearby landowners spoke in favor.
Sunshine Solar Cold Storage asked the zoning hearing master on June 21 for PD zoning to redevelop a roughly 10.75‑acre, storm‑damaged site at the northwest corner of Donna Toledo Alameda Road and U.S. 41 into a cold‑storage and logistics facility powered by on‑site solar arrays.
Vice president Alexander Balmer, representing Sunshine Solar, said the project would restore underused land damaged in 2024 storms, create about 95 permanent jobs, and include sub‑zero storage with automated racking, LED lighting, water reclamation and TECO net metering to pursue a high share of on‑site solar generation. The company also said it is pursuing acquisitions of surrounding properties to provide relocation options for residents in flood‑prone lots.
Applicant and site designers proposed a 10‑foot landscape buffer with a masonry wall and a 100‑foot setback from the nearest northern residences; along the western property line the developer proposed a 50‑foot setback and a 6‑foot masonry wall. The applicant requested a variation to allow a modified buffer and Type‑C screening in lieu of the standard 20‑foot Type‑B buffer; counsel said the masonry wall offers greater visual screening and noise attenuation despite a narrower planting zone. Development Services staff reviewed the landscape‑buffer justification and recommended approval subject to conditions; Planning Commission staff found the proposed use allowable in the Heavy‑Industrial flex area and recommended approval of a commercial‑location waiver based on port proximity and waterway logistics.
Local landowners whose property abuts or is near the site testified in favor of the project. Danny Kushner (6107 Adamsville Road) said the family chose to keep property in Adamsville despite surrounding industrialization and supported an industrial reuse that would increase land value. Other adjacent owners told the hearing they had also been affected by flooding and supported redevelopment and sale opportunities.
No final action was taken; the hearing master closed testimony and will file a written recommendation for the Board of County Commissioners. County staff will include conditions addressing buffers, architectural screening for any open parking decks and other standard PD requirements in any recommendation for approval.
