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North Port commissioners deny special-exception request for Toledo Blade multifamily project
Summary
The City Commission voted 5-0 to deny a developer's request to allow up to 155 apartments on a portion of a 15.97-acre commercial parcel, after staff found the proposal inconsistent with multiple comprehensive-plan policies and nearby residents raised traffic, drainage and compatibility concerns.
The North Port City Commission voted 5-0 April 21 to deny a special-exception application (SPX23053) that would have allowed a 155-unit multifamily community on a 10.34-acre portion of a 15.97-acre parcel at South Toledo Blade Boulevard and Woodhaven Drive.
The applicant's representative, Joe Medred of Genesis Planning and Development, told the commission the proposal would reduce traffic compared with full commercial development and preserve commercial frontage along Toledo Blade Boulevard. Medred described proffered limits on building height and total gross floor area, noting the plan proposes three three-story apartment buildings and an amenity building with a pool.
But city staff recommended denial, saying the project was inconsistent with several Comprehensive Plan policies and with required Unified Land Development Code findings. Deputy Director of Development Services Laurie Barnes told the commission staff found the application did not meet three required ULDC findings, including consistency with the comprehensive plan and adequate demonstration of economic benefit to the city.
Residents and neighborhood representatives urged denial. Ray Jares said the project "will totally change the neighborhood" and raised flooding and traffic concerns; other speakers said nearby multifamily vacancies and the loss of commercial land argued against approving the special exception.
Commissioners said they shared staff's concerns that the application reduced long-term commercial acreage compared with the parcel's existing designation and that there was no enforceable condition requiring the proposed commercial component to be built. Commissioner Stokes said the proposal "doesn't comply with the old comp plan or ULDC" and indicated he would not support approval. Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Duvall also cited economic and consistency concerns.
With the findings and public testimony in the record, the commission motioned to deny the resolution for the special exception; the motion passed 5-0.
The developer can pursue other options available under city regulations; the denied request was specifically for an exception allowing multifamily on land that remains commercially designated in the city's zoning map. The commission closed the public hearing after the vote.
