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Discovery PUD amendment approved; developer reports public benefits including donation to Atlantic Ridge State Park and habitat restoration
Summary
The board approved the third amendment to the Discovery Planned Unit Development (PUD), which revises master and phasing plans to add a lake clubhouse and adjust amenity tracts. Applicants reported completion or near‑completion of several public benefits including donation of facilities to Atlantic Ridge State Park and habitat restoration work.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the third amendment to the Discovery PUD on March 11, allowing minor revisions to the master and phasing plans that refine tract boundaries for the clubhouse, adventure park and lake club.
What changed: The amendment adjusts the boundaries of the clubhouse tract and kids‑club adventure park tracts, breaks larger phases into smaller, more detailed phasing units, and formally adds a lake clubhouse within an adjacent lake tract. Growth Management staff found the changes consistent with the PUD agreement and the comprehensive plan and recommended approval.
Public benefits and project status: Applicant representatives said the amendment does not change density or reduce open space but clarifies boundaries to match recorded plats. Rick Melchiori, senior vice president for Atlantic Fields and Discovery Land Company, outlined multiple public benefits and project milestones:
- Transfer of facilities to Atlantic Ridge State Park: Closing completed March 3; the private road to the park and easements were conveyed and the developer will assist with park programming and has agreed to construction easements to perform restoration and drainage work inside the park. - Habitat restoration: A 25‑acre habitat restoration area in the park’s northeast corner is under construction; developer will reconstruct deteriorated park drainage ditches and control structures and remove invasive Brazilian pepper where needed. - Hope Sound historic train station: Donated to the Hope Sound Historical Society and delivered Jan. 26; the move and transfer documentation were provided to the county. - Becker Tree Farm: Placed into a permanent agricultural conservation easement Dec. 6; documents recorded. - Stormwater management: Lakes and interconnects constructed; lakes are being filled and infrastructure work continues. County and state inspectors visited the site after a January water‑quality concern and cleared the project of off‑site discharge related to that event.
Timeline and construction: The applicant said primary infrastructure work started in early 2024 and that most infrastructure is expected to be completed by December 2025; residences and amenities are under construction. The commission’s approval of the master plan amendment does not change the entitlements or public‑benefit commitments previously negotiated.
Board reaction: Commissioners praised the public‑benefit work, including the park transfer and restoration actions. The motion to approve the third amendment passed unanimously.
