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Council approves Ashton Park large‑scale land‑use change to urban mixed use for 133‑acre site
Summary
The Palm Bay City Council approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment to change future land use for roughly 133 acres near I‑95 to 'urban mixed use' (UMU) for the Ashton Park development. The project will return for final development plan and zoning review; staff and the planning board had recommended approval.
Palm Bay City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-08, a large-scale amendment to the city’s 2045 comprehensive plan that changes the future land-use designation of approximately 133 acres for the Ashton Park development from county designations (neighborhood commercial and RS-1 residential) to the city’s urban mixed-use (UMU) designation.
City planning staff and the applicant, represented by civil engineer Jake Wise, told the council the change affects the western 33 acres of a larger, already-planned project and that the applicant will return to the council for final development plan and zoning approvals. Staff reported the amendment had been transmitted to state reviewing agencies under the expedited review process; the Florida Department of Commerce offered no comments, and the applicant responded to a few technical comments received from reviewing agencies.
The site is generally located on the south side of Mickler Road, about 0.13 miles east of Interstate 95. Jake Wise said project elements will include commercial uses intended to capture local trips and reduce pressure on northbound Babcock Street; the developer also plans to dedicate a 30-acre public-school site and has discussed charter and public school interest.
Council members asked about infrastructure timing; the applicant said the project depends on the parkway extension at the I‑95 interchange and on utility extensions running roughly eight to nine miles. The applicant reported coordination with city staff and anticipated kickoff preconstruction meetings on utilities; the county and city will need to advance the parkway extension to serve the development’s primary entrance.
Councilman Johnson moved to adopt the ordinance on final reading; Councilman Hammer seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
