Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vmu Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
TRC conditionally approves Circle K VMU site with wetlands and drainage concerns raised by residents
Summary
Walton County's TRC conditionally approved a village mixed‑use (VMU) minor development for a Circle K convenience store and associated recreation and residential components, while residents and staff raised concerns about wetlands impacts, drainage and traffic turn‑lane design.
The Technical Review Committee on Aug. 20 conditionally approved a minor development order for a proposed Circle K convenience store at the intersection of State Road 393 and U.S. Highway 98, but residents and staff flagged wetlands impacts, drainage and safety concerns.
MDM Services submitted the application to construct a 5,200‑square‑foot gas station convenience store and associated site components on just over 10 acres in a Village Mixed‑Use (VMU) district; because the parcel exceeds three acres, the VMU rules require a residential and a recreational component. Staff said the applicant proposes a single‑family residence retained by the store owner for traveling staff and passive recreation around a retention pond with benches, lighting and picnic tables; staff recommended adding benches, trash cans and lighting to meet recreation requirements. The applicant also proposes fencing around the pond.
Environmental reviewers and public speakers said the design currently impacts about three acres of wetlands. Resident speakers, including Barbara Marano, and a committee commenter described prior flooding in the area and questioned whether filling and altering retention areas would redirect stormwater across nearby roads. The applicant said the project is being permitted with the applicable water management district and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reviews and that the design includes measures to leave large wetland areas undisturbed and to stabilize the new access and pond areas. The developer also said it will contribute nearly $260,000 in proportionate fair‑share funds toward a right‑turn lane on State Road 393.
Staff and committee members noted prior county practice has allowed passive recreational elements and a single residence on other VMU sites. The committee voted to conditionally approve the project and send it forward to the design review board, with outstanding planning, right‑of‑way and environmental comments to be addressed.
