Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Actions Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Auburndale Commission approves zoning change for Everest site and several development actions
Summary
The City of Auburndale Commission unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1847 to modify PD‑C1 zoning on a 2.29‑acre portion of the Everest property (to allow a gas station), adopted a resolution vacating part of Stewart Street, amended a developer’s agreement for Schaller Preserve, approved FY2026–2027 CDBG projects, and accepted a deed/easement exchange to advance the Southern Force Main.
The City Commission of the City of Auburndale met March 2, 2026, and unanimously approved a series of land‑use and utility actions, including a zoning modification that would allow a gas station on a 2.29‑acre portion of the Everest property.
Community Development Director Julie Womble summarized the site’s history and the requested modification to the Planned Development‑Commercial 1 (PD‑C1) zoning designation, and presented a binding site plan showing pumps, circulation and landscaping. The Planning Commission recommended approval (4–0); staff recommended the Commission adopt Ordinance No. 1847 on second and final reading. City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. read the ordinance by title only. Commissioner Sean Levy moved to adopt the ordinance and Vice Mayor Jordan Helms seconded; the motion carried with all ayes.
The commission also opened and closed a public hearing to consider a petition to vacate a portion of an unimproved right‑of‑way on Stewart Street and McDonald Avenue. Community Development staff said the vacation is subject to reservation of a utility easement for use by the City; City Attorney Murphy read Resolution No. 2026‑01 by title. Vice Mayor Helms moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Levy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Interim City Manager Amy Palmer presented staff recommendations for the City’s FY 2026–2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation, estimated at $110,195 plus anticipated roll‑over funds. Staff proposed using the funds for additional parking on Cleveland Street adjacent to the Auburndale Community Center and for phased improvements at Earl Wright Park, including new asphalt parking, replacement playground equipment and undergrounding electrical service. After the required public hearing (no public comments), the Commission approved the projects unanimously. Commissioner Levy asked how many additional parking spaces the Cleveland Street work would add; Manager Palmer said she would obtain that figure (the number was not specified in the meeting record).
The Commission approved an amendment to a December 2023 developer’s agreement with Schaller Preserve Community that would permit construction activity and issuance of building permits, while prohibiting discharge into the City’s wastewater collection system until both Phases I and II of the Southern Force Main reroute project are complete and operational, as determined by the City. Staff said some developers may seek similar amendments on a case‑by‑case basis; Womble and the Public Utilities director are meeting regularly with developers.
Finally, the Commission authorized the City to deed a 1.71‑acre parcel to Cooperative Ventures, LLC in exchange for a utility easement needed to construct the Southern Force Main. Staff said the parcel cannot be used for effluent discharge and that obtaining the easement will facilitate construction of the force main. The motion to approve the deed and accept the easement passed unanimously and the Mayor and City officials were authorized to execute the documents.
Votes at a glance: • Ordinance No. 1847 (amend PD‑C1 zoning on ±2.29 acres — Everest property): mover Commissioner Sean Levy; second Vice Mayor Jordan Helms; outcome: approved (all ayes). • Resolution No. 2026‑01 (vacate portion of Stewart Street; reserve utility easement): mover Vice Mayor Jordan Helms; second Commissioner Sean Levy; outcome: approved (all ayes). • CDBG project approval for FY 2026–2027 (estimated $110,195 plus roll‑over): mover Commissioner Sean Levy; second Vice Mayor Jordan Helms; outcome: approved (all ayes). • Amendment to Developer’s Agreement — Schaller Preserve (allow construction but prohibit discharge until Southern Force Main Phases I & II complete): mover Vice Mayor Jordan Helms; second Commissioner Sean Levy; outcome: approved (all ayes). • Deed to Cooperative Ventures and acceptance of utility easement (Southern Force Main): mover Commissioner Sean Levy; second Vice Mayor Jordan Helms; outcome: approved (all ayes).
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27:30 p.m.
