Commission approves Barron Business Park: 135 flex warehouse units planned on Willoughby Boulevard

The City Commission voted March 10 to approve a major site plan for Barron Business Park, a 20.35‑acre project at 2601 Southeast Willoughby Boulevard that will create 135 single‑story flex warehouse units totaling about 235,205 square feet.

Nut graf: Staff found the applicant’s plans consistent with the commercial zoning and recommended approval under the city code. The project includes site access changes that require a new traffic signal on Willoughby Boulevard and has received preliminary utility capacity confirmation from city staff.

Development Director Jody Kugler summarized the site plan: seven buildings, 369 parking spaces, stormwater ponds, sidewalks and utility improvements. The project proposes a mix of office (approximately 23,522 square feet) and warehouse (about 211,683 square feet). Kugler said the Florida Department of Transportation and Martin County coordination letters have been initiated and that traffic analysis did not identify performance deficiencies that would be caused by the proposal under current conditions; the project’s driveway will be signalized per county plans.

Applicant representative Brandon DeBlois told the commission the park will target owner‑operators and small businesses rather than self‑storage customers; the units will be configured as combined office/warehouse spaces. Christopher Belland, who said he represents an adjacent commercial interest, offered brief public comment in support, saying the project will meet local industrial demand.

The commission approved the resolution (12‑2025) by roll call vote. Vice Mayor Collins, Commissioners Gioby, Reid, Clark and Mayor Rich voted in favor.

Ending: Staff will move forward with permitting and the developer will coordinate final driveway permits and construction phasing with the city and Martin County.