West Melbourne council approves first readings to reclassify site for 117‑bed nursing home

City councilors voted unanimously on first reading to change the comprehensive plan designation and rezone a 6.12‑acre parcel at the northeast corner of Minton Road and Heritage Oaks Boulevard so a developer can build an 83,724‑square‑foot, single‑story nursing home with up to 117 beds. Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Board recommended the future‑land‑use amendment and rezoning, saying the institutional designation and P‑1 zoning are consistent with adjacent uses and the city’s town‑center overlay.

Staff told council the site would remain served by city water and sewer and that on‑site stormwater facilities were included in the concept plan. The proposal shows about 93 parking spaces—above the code minimum—because applicants said the number accommodates staff shift changes and holiday visitors. Council members asked several times about accessible parking stalls and maintenance of a six‑foot wood fence on the shared property line with the homeowners association; staff said the HOA covenants currently require the HOA to maintain that fence but the city may require institutional uses to provide a buffer if the HOA removes it in the future.

The applicant’s engineer and architect said the building was sited to maximize the buffer to the nearest residences to the east, that the concept plan meets town‑center overlay design goals and that traffic counts showed relatively low peak‑hour trips compared with other allowable commercial uses. Councilmember Volz moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑25 (future land use map amendment); Councilmember Frampus seconded and the motion passed 7‑0. Councilmember Frampus then moved and Councilmember Volz seconded approval of Ordinance 2025‑26 (rezoning and initial site plan), which also passed 7‑0 on first reading.

The items will return to council for second reading and final action at the council’s next meeting.