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Palm Bay approves 33-acre annexation and low-density land-use change; developer to extend St. John's Heritage Parkway
Summary
The council approved a voluntary annexation of nearly 33 acres, a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment to low-density residential (LDR 5), and took first-step rezoning action; the applicant pledged to extend utilities and the St. John's Heritage Parkway and to limit the initial plan to about 74 lots (roughly 2.2 units/acre).
Palm Bay — The City Council unanimously approved a developer-led voluntary annexation of roughly 33 acres near the intersection of St. John’s Heritage Parkway and Mariloma Boulevard and a companion small-scale comprehensive-plan amendment on Oct. 3.
Staff told the council the annexation satisfied requirements in Chapter 171 of the Florida Statutes and that the planning and zoning board recommended approval. Civil engineer Jake Wise, speaking for the applicant, said the plan would produce about 74 single-family lots (2.2 units per acre) and that the developer would extend utilities and the Parkway at their cost, improving network connectivity and reducing pressure on existing roads.
Council members pressed staff and the applicant for detail about the right-of-way and whether the Parkway would be widened to four lanes. Staff said negotiations on a transportation-impact-fee agreement, an appraisal and right-of-way dedications are underway and will be finalized before second-reading votes. Councilman Hammer emphasized he wants a firm commitment to four lanes to avoid a permanent gap in the Parkway.
The rezoning to RS3 (single-family residential) was considered in a quasi-judicial hearing and will return for a second reading; staff said the TIF and right-of-way documents would be ready for the later vote. Several nearby residents spoke during public hearings: Bill Batton said he typically opposes annexation but supported this case because utility and road extensions will help Palm Bay and keep tax revenue local; others asked the council to consider larger lot sizes in future proposals.
Next steps: The council approved the annexation and the future land-use map change. The rezoning will require a second reading; staff will return with transportation and financing documents and with negotiated right-of-way dedications before that vote.
Votes and process notes: The annexation and the comprehensive-plan amendment were approved unanimously. The rezoning passed its first reading and will return for final action after staff completes the negotiable agreements required by the council.
