Lake Mary approves 8‑unit Wilbur Towns subdivision, creates West Crystal Lake MSBU; ALDI PUD amendment continued

The Lake Mary City Commission approved multiple land‑use and budget items at its April 2, 2026 regular meeting, voting to approve a preliminary subdivision plan for an eight‑unit residential development and to create a municipal services benefit unit for West Crystal Lake, while continuing consideration of a PUD amendment for an ALDI grocery site to allow more staff‑applicant coordination.

Sydney Boswell, planner for the City of Lake Mary, presented the staff report on 2025‑PSP‑02, the Wilbur Towns at the Station preliminary subdivision plan. The proposal calls for an eight‑unit residential courtyard home development that requires variances. Robert Walker of Burkett Engineering, speaking for the applicant, said he agreed with the staff conditions. Commissioner Nicholas Carlin moved to approve the preliminary subdivision plan; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote, 5‑0 (Commissioner Jordan Smith, Yes; Commissioner Nicholas Carlin, Yes; Deputy Mayor Colleen Taylor, Yes; Commissioner Justin York, Yes; Mayor David Mealor, Yes).

The Commission also considered a third amendment to the Griffin Farms at Midtown Planned Unit Development (2025‑RZ‑03) to make certain uses optional for Lot 1 to accommodate a proposed ALDI at 211 Wheelhouse Lane. Sabreena Colbert, community development director, reviewed the staff report. Attorney Joseph Kovecses, representing ALDI, told the Commission that ALDI would not operate a tap room or liquor store and instead proposed a seasonal sampling concept. Two nearby residents, Michael Dobish and Andy Benjamin, told the Commission they believed the tap room concept had been underutilized in practice. The applicant requested more time to coordinate with staff; Commissioner Jordan Smith moved to continue the item to the May 21, 2026 City Commission meeting, and the motion carried 5‑0.

On Ordinance No. 1725, which would create the West Crystal Lake Management Municipal Services Benefit Unit, Mayor David Mealor publicly disclosed a potential conflict of interest and recused himself from the discussion and vote. City Attorney Darren Elkind read the ordinance by title and City Manager Kevin Smith presented the staff recommendation. With the mayor absent from the dais for this item, the Commission approved the ordinance 4‑0 (Deputy Mayor Colleen Taylor, Yes; Commissioner Justin York, Yes; Commissioner Jordan Smith, Yes; Commissioner Nicholas Carlin, Yes).

City Manager Kevin Smith requested authorization to execute a change order with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. in the amount of $137,076.97 to continue roadway landscape maintenance through the remainder of the fiscal year. Commissioner Jordan Smith asked whether the amount represented new spending; Mr. Smith confirmed it was not new spending but continuation funding. The Commission approved the change order unanimously.

Tammy Campbell of McDirmit Davis, LLC presented the City’s FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and said the report highlighted the City’s "strong financial performance and continued eligibility for the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting." Ms. Campbell clarified that the audit risk disclosures reflected standard audit considerations and that no concerns were identified during testing.

Commissioners also received updates on downtown projects and the monthly finance report. Several commissioners reported on recent community events, including a Shred‑A‑Thon that drew nearly 500 vehicles and raised about $10,000. City Attorney Darren Elkind said Attorney Aerial Mccann will attend the April 16 meeting in his absence.

The Commission adjourned after completing the agenda. The Griffin Farms PUD amendment will next appear on the May 21, 2026 agenda; no effective dates for the MSBU ordinance were specified in the meeting record.