Planning board recommends conditional‑use renewal for Atlantic Recycling with added landscaping condition

The Planning Board voted May 12 to recommend approval of a conditional‑use application for Atlantic Recycling at 3301 Avenue D, finding the operation is an established industrial use and that no new construction is proposed.

Staff advised the operation has been in place for about 20 years and was reviewed by the technical review committee with no major code enforcement issues flagged. The applicant did not appear at the meeting. Staff said the application had been brought forward largely to complete documentation and comply with updated business licensing processes.

Several board members and members of the public described the site as an "eyesore" and discussed visual buffering along the frontage. Staff said the existing hedging exceeded typical industrial landscaping requirements but acknowledged gaps in coverage along part of the frontage. The board asked staff whether they could add landscaping requirements; staff replied a condition could be added requiring the property owner to install landscaping along the Avenue D frontage and a portion of the eastern boundary.

Mr. Whiting moved approval with the suggested additional landscaping condition; Ms. Clemens seconded. The roll call was unanimous (Mr. Edwards — yes; Ms. Clemens — yes; Mr. Whiting — yes; Mr. Johnson — yes; Chairman Bridal — yes). The recommendation will go to the City Commission. The board noted that code enforcement review could also be used if neighbors continue to report concerns about the property’s appearance.