Auburndale approves Lake Van preliminary plat, reduces townhomes and reserves commercial acreage

The Auburndale City Commission unanimously approved the Lake Van preliminary plat on April 20, clearing the way for a mixed‑use development on approximately 76.86 acres at County Road 559 and Lake Van Road.

Community Development Director Julie Womble said the applicant originally proposed 325 total units but pulled the preliminary plat to modify the plan; the revised plat reduces the unit count to 236 (200 single‑family lots and 36 townhomes) and designates roughly 5.86 acres for future commercial development within the Village Center zoning. Womble said approximately 1.55 acres will be donated for future right‑of‑way and the development proposes about 9.05 acres of public parks/active recreation (with 25% accounted as stormwater as allowed by city regulations).

Womble described required street and pedestrian improvements, including 8‑foot sidewalks on County Road 559 and Lake Van Road, a solid 6‑foot masonry wall with a 10‑foot landscape buffer along the arterial, and 5‑foot sidewalks on residential streets. She said the city’s water and sewer system is available in the area but that a Developer’s Agreement is in place addressing future wastewater capacity tied to system upgrades.

Commissioner Sean Levy asked whether the distance from the roundabout to the main entry would allow safe left turns southbound; Bryan Hunter of Hunter Engineering said the distance is at least 1,000 feet and meets FDOT standards and that the roundabout would help traffic operations. The Planning Commission had recommended approval (6–0), and the City Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat (motion by Commissioner Travis Avery, seconded by Commissioner Sean Levy).