Planning board approves Macquarie Cove townhouse preliminary plat subject to conditions

The Palatka Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the preliminary plat for the Macquarie Cove townhouse development (case PB24-23), a planned-unit development that will subdivide about 31 acres into townhome lots and tracts, subject to several staff conditions.

City planner Lorenzo presented the staff report, saying the proposal would subdivide two adjoining parcels totaling about 31 acres into 248 townhouse lots and 14 tracts for a planned unit development. The city had earlier approved the PUD; the preliminary plat is the next step before a final plat. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including: minimum 15-foot utility easement widths (the plat showed 10 feet), adding the utility-easement legend, showing pavement widths and locations on adjacent streets, providing contours at a maximum 10-foot interval, proof that current property taxes have been paid, a Florida-licensed attorney’s title opinion, and the applicant bearing the expense for a third-party licensed surveyor to review any final plat.

Applicant Shalene Estes of Jacksonville told the board she and her consultants were available to answer questions. Lorenzo reminded the board that if the preliminary plat is approved, the applicant has up to six months to return with a final plat for staff and board review.

Board member motion and second were recorded; the board voted aye on the preliminary plat and the motion passed unanimously. No public commenters spoke against the application at the hearing.

Staff will expect the applicant to address the listed conditions before filing a final plat for recordation.