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Committee approves rezoning for Restore Duval quadplex aimed at housing formerly incarcerated women
Summary
LUZ approved a land-use and rezoning pair (2025-0559 and 2025-0560) allowing a quadplex for Restore Duval — a transitional housing nonprofit — on a 0.4-acre infill site; Planning Department recommended approval and the Planning Commission had previously approved the application.
The Land Use and Zoning Committee voted 4-0 on March 18 to approve a land-use amendment (2025-0559) and the companion rezoning (2025-0560) that will allow a quadplex at a 0.4-acre vacant site near Edward Waters College for Restore Duval, a nonprofit providing transitional housing and services to formerly incarcerated women.
Planning staff recommended approval, calling the site an “appropriate location” for medium density residential because it is an infill parcel with water, sewer and transit services and a mix of single family and multifamily units nearby. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the application on Feb. 20.
Rebecca Davis, founder and executive director of Restore, described the proposed quadplex as “stable, independent housing for hardworking women who are ready to stand on their own.” She told the committee Restore’s clients are employed and receive wraparound services, and that philanthropic partners have pledged financial support for the project. “This is not a shelter nor a halfway house. This is stable, independent housing for hardworking women who are ready to stand on their own,” Davis said during public comment.
Supporters at the hearing included current and former Restore residents, local nonprofits and faith leaders. Several residents and community partners described Restore’s programs and cited decreases in recidivism and economic benefits from stable housing. Some committee members asked whether community meetings had been held; District councilmembers said outreach occurred and some neighbors were contacted in advance.
Planning staff cautioned that the land-use decision is separate from program operations: “This is an LDR to MDR land use amendment with a companion rezoning to RMDB,” the Office of General Counsel advised the committee at the hearing, noting that any future operator or owner could use the site consistent with the zoning if approved. Committee members and the applicant discussed next steps for site plan review and historic or design requirements if applicable.
The committee approved both items 4-0. The rezoning allows the quadplex under RMDB zoning; the land-use change to MDR permits the intended number of units. No formal development agreement or additional city funding was reported at today's hearing.
