Planning board approves 3-court indoor tennis facility on West Atlantic with community condition for future outdoor non-tennis courts

The Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a major site plan for a 3‑court indoor tennis facility on West Atlantic Boulevard, permitting a clubhouse, three indoor courts and 32 parking spaces and attaching a condition requiring public outreach if outdoor, non‑tennis courts are later proposed.

Zoning attorney Matthew Scott said his client, an operator experienced in indoor racket sports, plans a modest facility intended for membership use. Scott told the board the business model targets about 80–100 members and that the facility will be access-controlled with key-card entry and security cameras; he said the maximum number of active players at any time would be about 20–24 people because only three courts are provided.

Staff reported the site met major site-plan criteria, had Architectural Appearance Committee approval, and had earlier been through land-use and rezoning steps that allowed commercial recreation at the location. Scott said there will be minimal external visibility because the site is screened by an existing wall and mature landscaping; new landscaping will also be installed.

Board members asked about operations and neighborhood impacts. Scott said hours would be 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and that the facility will be membership-based rather than open public drop-in, which he said supports the operator’s financial model. He also said the developer does not intend to install pickleball outdoors; the board added a condition that if any non‑tennis outdoor courts are later proposed, the applicant must meet with the adjoining Palm Aire communities before seeking a development order.

The board approved the major site plan subject to staff conditions. Members voting yes included Tundra King, Carla Coleman, Gigi Dubek, Paul Fisher, Robert Hartsell, Carrie Ann Worley and Fred Stacer.