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DRC reviews plan for plant and tree nursery at 903–905 Flagler Avenue
Summary
The Developer Review Committee reviewed a minor development plan to convert two vacant lots at 903–905 Flagler Avenue into a plant and tree nursery with a 4,000 sq ft shade structure, nine parking spaces and landscape buffering; staff and members requested details on hours, traffic, runoff and waste management.
The Developer Review Committee of the City of Key West on Nov. 20 discussed a minor development plan to redevelop two vacant lots at 903–905 Flagler Avenue for a plant and tree nursery. Acting City Planner Jim Singlin introduced the item as a request under the city’s land development regulations.
Planner Ben Gagnon summarized the proposal, describing an 11,000-square-foot site with roughly 4,000 square feet of covered commercial area under a shade structure, pervious ground under the structure, nine parking spaces (including one ADA space) and proposed landscape buffering near adjacent multifamily properties. "This is a minor development plan for 903 To 905 Flagler Ave," Gagnon said, noting staff wanted additional details on employment, hours and traffic generation and suggested coordination with engineering on runoff and possible right-turn-only signage.
Applicant A.J. Davila, representing owner Sugar Apple Properties and tenant Rooted Exotics, said the tented area is intended for retail sales only and offered to supply further documentation. Eddie Roberts, a tenant representative, said irrigation will be "low-pressure and drip" and that there will be "no fertilizer on-site other than what comes in the pots," adding that plant material will be sourced from Homestead and other regional suppliers.
DRC members raised operational and public-safety concerns. Member Doug Bradshaw said he supported a right-turn-only exit but warned that left turns into the site could cause traffic to back into the nearby intersection and asked how the project would prevent irrigation or fertilizer runoff into the storm system. Ryan Starsky of multimodal planning recommended ensuring visibility and pedestrian safety near the nearby Somerset Academy, which could increase pedestrian traffic, and urged use of inverted-U bike racks that meet code. A DRC member identified as Michael recommended maintaining setbacks, on-site fire safety equipment ("a 5-pound ABC" extinguisher) and a life-safety inspection by the fire marshal when the site is ready.
Staff and members also discussed utility needs, potential sewer tapping and the necessity to enclose dumpster and waste storage areas. Ben Gagnon said engineering coordination will determine whether signage or other measures are needed at the Flagler intersection.
The committee did not take a final vote on the development plan at the DRC meeting; staff directed the applicant to supply additional details requested by planning, engineering and public-safety reviewers. The item will proceed to further review and to the City Commission as required by the land development code.
