Council tables Christian Court townhomes preliminary plat after residents and members raise stormwater, parking and tree concerns

Titusville — The City Council on Jan. 29 took up a contentious preliminary plat for the Christian Court townhome project, a 72‑unit development on roughly 7 acres behind Garden Street businesses. After extensive public comment and council debate, members voted to table the preliminary plat to Feb. 24.

Planning staff told council that the parcel has a multifamily zoning classification and that many site improvements — roads, stormwater basins and building pads — already exist from earlier development work. The applicant’s team said they retooled the project from an earlier master‑plan approach to a fee‑simple townhome plat to preserve affordability.

Public speakers and council members raised a string of concerns: potential over‑building and high lot coverage in an area of critical concern for stormwater, reduced setbacks and multiple variances previously granted by the Board of Adjustment, limited on‑site parking, and minimal preserved tree canopy. "That's a lot of people crammed in that little place. No room for their cars," said a Titusville Tree Team representative, urging canopy plantings and native species.

Council member votes failed on a motion to approve the preliminary plat with a general direction to work on additional parking (the motion lost 2‑3). After additional debate, council voted to table the application to Feb. 24 to allow staff and the applicant to provide supplemental materials addressing parking, stormwater calculations, tree protection and site design.

Tabling preserves the applicant's ability to pursue the project but requires more documentation and possible conditions before a final vote.