Commission transmits large-scale future land use amendment for 159-acre Countryway parcel to state for expedited review

The City Commission voted unanimously to transmit a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment for approximately 159.43 acres behind the Countryway Town Center from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density.

Planning staff said the proposal is a large-scale amendment that must be transmitted to the Florida Department of Commerce for a 45-day expedited review under state statute. The amendment would change the future land use designation for the tax parcel (02539-001-000) from mixed use to residential low density (4 dwelling units per acre maximum gross), and the applicant has submitted a concurrent rezoning application for a planned residential development that would cap density at 3.14 dwelling units per acre and limit the maximum permitted number of residential units to 500.

Margot Bauer, AICP with NV5, presented on behalf of Northfleet Construction and said staff and the applicant's materials provide competent substantial evidence that the amendment is consistent with the City of Newberry comprehensive plan and level-of-service standards. The Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously to recommend transmittal to the state. Commissioners asked whether the site would connect to Southwest 15th Avenue; staff and the applicant said access concepts include two access points and that linkage and access details will be addressed during the rezoning and site-plan process.

A motion to transmit ordinance 2025-09 (CPA 24-12) to the Florida Department of Commerce for a 45-day expedited review was made and passed unanimously.