Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake City advances rezoning request that would add multifamily units amid neighbor concerns about wetlands and traffic
Summary
Council approved first reading of a comprehensive‑plan amendment and companion rezoning to increase multifamily density on two parcels; a nearby resident opposed the change citing visible wetlands and traffic safety. Staff said Suwannee River Water Management District review and site‑plan vetting will address wetland mitigation and traffic impacts; second reading expected July 6.
The Lake City Council on June 15 voted on first reading to approve a future‑land‑use amendment and a companion rezoning request from developer David M. Winsberg that would increase allowable multifamily density on two parcels, producing a net increase of roughly 30 dwelling units over current zoning limits.
Planner Angelo summarized the applications (CPA and Z2604S), explaining that one parcel would move from residential single‑family (RSF‑3) to multifamily and another would increase from RMF‑1 to RMF‑2, raising the density allowance from about 8 units per acre to 20 units per acre on the RMF‑2 portion. Angelo noted that a large portion of the property maps as wetland and that an Environmental Resource Permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District would be required before building.
Applicant David M. Winsberg told the council he intends to build multifamily units to help address a severe local housing shortage and said he had prepared a traffic study for the property. He told the council the current zoning already allows up to about 60 units and the requested change would increase capacity to about 90 units.
Barbara Mizell Perry, a neighbor who signed up to speak, said she opposed the rezoning and cited visible wetland features—a deep ditch and wet foliage—near the site. She told the council the adjacent street (Early Street) is short and narrow and warned increased density could cause traffic, parking and noise problems for existing residents.
City staff and counsel responded that factual determinations about wetlands and mitigation are handled by the Suwannee River Water Management District and that detailed traffic, drainage and wetland mitigation will be reviewed at the site‑plan stage if rezoning and the comprehensive plan amendment move forward. Staff said a second advertised hearing and required mail notices to nearby property owners will occur before final action.
Council discussion focused on procedure and evidence. Several members encouraged neighbors to present substantial expert evidence to sustain a quasi‑judicial challenge if they oppose rezoning at later hearings; others emphasized that many site‑specific concerns are typically addressed at the site‑plan stage. The council approved the rezoning on first reading; a final vote and additional public comment will follow on second reading and site‑plan review.
