Committee transmits large‑scale Pecan Park amendment that includes conservation area and 23‑acre parks donation

The committee transmitted a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment (ordinance 2025-0174) on April 15 that would change approximately 344 acres north of Pecan Park Road from Agriculture to Low Density Residential and Conservation and would shift the site from the rural development area into the suburban development area.

Planning staff described the site as currently vacant, abutting I‑95 to the west and Seton Creek Preserve and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to the north and west. Staff said roughly 31 acres at the north end of the property are proposed for conservation, that the site contains Category 3 and isolated wetlands and coastal high hazard zone areas that would remain protected, and that the proposal is intended to provide a logical extension of the suburban boundary and accommodate anticipated population and employment growth near the Pecan Park/I‑95 interchange.

Applicant counsel T.R. Hayline, representing Pecans Envy LLC, said the submission is the transmittal round of a comprehensive plan amendment and that a companion PUD rezoning would follow after state review. Hayline said the applicant committed to finding access that avoids using Butchbane Drive, has negotiated property purchase routes for alternative access, and—despite a separate property exchange with the state forestry division not proceeding—has agreed to dedicate about 23 acres to the Parks & Recreation Department to provide new access to Seton Creek Preserve.

Planning Commission recommended unanimous approval on April 3. The committee voted unanimously to transmit the amendment to state review; the meeting record shows a 6–0 committee vote in favor. The applicant said it expects to return within roughly 60 days with a PUD rezoning package after state review and that it will continue to coordinate with Council Member Reginald Gaffney Jr. and the community regarding the PUD.