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Council approves first reading to rezone 15‑acre Cortez Boulevard parcel to allow multifamily options
Summary
After an applicant presentation and staff recommendation, the council approved first reading of Ordinance 979 to rezone roughly 14.97 acres near Jefferson Street to a planned development multifamily district, with the requirement that utilities and site plans be verified during later reviews.
The city council gave first reading approval to Ordinance 979, a rezoning request for approximately 14.97 acres on the south side of West Jefferson Street (east of Cortez Boulevard) so the parcel can move from a planned development mixed‑use classification to a planned development multifamily classification.
Applicant Troy Franklin Carter described the parcel’s history and proposed flexibility: the PD would allow up to 180 conventional multifamily units (or alternatives such as 42 townhomes or 60 duplex/villa units) depending on final site design. Carter noted about 4 acres of wetlands, a closed stormwater basin and floodplain on the site and said conceptual mitigation (cup‑for‑cup) and wetland delineations are in progress with permitting through Swiftmud.
Community Development staff (Steve Goldman) reviewed past entitlements, compatibility with the comprehensive plan and design requirements that would apply if the developer chooses multifamily. Staff recommended approval of the first reading and scheduled the second reading for Aug. 5. Goldman emphasized that, because of utility uncertainties, the ordinance conditions require the developer to enter a utility service agreement and coordinate with public works to confirm capacity before final approvals.
Council members pressed the applicant on potential uses (market‑rate apartments, townhomes, or villas), the possibility of affordable housing, traffic and cross access to the western parcel. The applicant and staff said traffic analysis and right‑of‑way work would be handled at the site‑plan phase and, when required, reviewed by FDOT. There was no public testimony in the quasi‑judicial hearing portion; the record showed that the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Council approved the first reading by voice/roll call and asked the applicant to bring a more definitive plan (amenities, unit type, and regulatory conditions) for the second reading and site‑plan review. Staff added that the zoning approval does not guarantee utility connections and that developers may be required to demonstrate capacity or enter a utility service agreement when advancing to site construction.
