Planning Commission approves White Eagle East commercial rezone, limits uses and caps square footage

The Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved a rezone of about 3.95 acres at the southeast corner of State Road 64 and White Eagle Boulevard to Plan Development Commercial (PDC 25-01) with a general development plan limiting development to a maximum 45,000 square feet and a proffered list of neighborhood-serving commercial uses.

Applicant Ria Hunter of RVI Planning and the project team said the site is infill commercial within the UF-3 future land-use designation and within an activity center at SR 64/White Eagle. The team proposed a 20% minimum open-space commitment, preservation of native plant communities along the perimeter, and maximum building heights of three stories.

Traffic consultant Yuri Baikau said the project's projected trip generation would not significantly impact SR 64 or White Eagle Boulevard and that the proposal provides neighborhood-serving commercial uses that can reduce vehicle miles traveled by shortening trips for nearby residents. Staff added a stipulation limiting driveway turning movements; the applicant agreed that the primary White Eagle entrance would be right-in only to avoid direct left-turn conflicts at the nearby intersection.

Staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan except for mitigation strategies for one intersection; the applicant limited the proposal below the site's maximum theoretical commercial intensity and committed to wetland mitigation through an off-site mitigation bank in the same watershed basin. The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval.