Commission delays Lancaster Road rezoning request after resident concerns; applicant to revise map

The Okaloosa County commission agreed to continue consideration of a small‑scale future land use map amendment and companion rezoning for property at the northwest corner of Lancaster Drive and Highway 20 after residents raised concerns about drainage, traffic and access.

The applicant, Ruckle Properties (represented by John Tidwell Sr.), requested a change of roughly 24 acres from institutional to a mix of low‑density residential and mixed use that would allow townhouses and multifamily development adjacent to Highway 20. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended approval; the planning commission’s unanimous recommendation followed earlier conversations about a possible school board use that later was withdrawn.

Residents who live on Evans Court, which borders the subject parcel, told commissioners they supported some low‑density housing but were worried that the proposed mixed‑use areas were too large, that the only viable vehicle access (Lancaster Drive) could become congested, and that standing water and existing drainage issues could worsen with additional development.

Commissioner discussion focused on the shape of the proposed internal boundary between low‑density residential and mixed use. Commissioner Goodwin proposed adding a medium‑density residential buffer between existing single‑family homes and proposed mixed use along Highway 20 to reduce the potential for commercial uses to back directly onto single‑family yards. Goodwin asked the applicant to work with engineers to present a straighter, more transitional line on a revised map.

Rather than vote on the amendment, the board voted unanimously to continue the item to the board’s May 6 meeting in Crestview and asked the applicant to return with updated mapping that better reflects the on‑the‑ground street layout and buffers. Commissioner Goodwin said he preferred a three‑part transition (low density → medium density/townhouses → mixed use along Highway 20) to improve compatibility; the applicant agreed to review engineering constraints and stormwater needs before the next hearing.

Ending: The item was continued by unanimous vote so the applicant could revise the proposed land use boundary; the continuation preserves the small‑scale amendment as the final local action when the board next hears the matter.