Commission approves 10-lot Christenberry rezone for gated low-density subdivision in Palmasola

Manatee County Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved a rezoning and preliminary site plan for Christenberry Acquisitions LLC to develop a 10-lot gated subdivision on a roughly 10-acre parcel in the Palmasola area south of 90 Ninth Street (case PDR 24-38).

Applicant representatives from Neil Signature Homes, including Jack Weber and planner Paige Estagarebia, described the proposal as semi-custom single-family homes with a proposed density of one dwelling unit per acre, minimum 75-foot lot widths, two-story maximum building heights, and substantial buffers exceeding code minimums. The plan proposes a 20-foot roadway buffer along 90 Ninth, 20-foot and 15-foot greenbelt buffers on other sides, and open-space preservation exceeding requirements.

Traffic engineer Becca Bond said a traffic study was waived and the project is expected to generate about 11 PM peak-hour trips; civil engineer Nathan Cropp described stormwater measures using NOAA rainfall amounts and finished-floor elevations (10.4 feet) above FEMA base flood elevations. Environmental consultant Chris Kennedy reported no state- or federally listed species and no on-site wetlands, and Kimberley-Horn survey work verified an off-site wetland buffer.

Neighbors attended a March 5 neighborhood workshop; the applicant said residents raised drainage and lift-station access questions and the team prepared a high-level drainage analysis and is coordinating for lift-station access with the neighboring community. After no public opposition during the hearing, the commission voted 6-0 to approve the rezone and preliminary site plan.