Lake City planning board recommends city commercial designation, rezoning for Steely property

The City of Lake City Planning & Zoning Board on an unanimous voice vote recommended that the City Council adopt a comprehensive‑plan amendment and a companion rezoning for a parcel owned by Elizabeth Steely.

The board considered resolution PZLPA CPA 26‑07S, a proposed amendment to change up to 50 acres from a county commercial future land‑use designation to city commercial, and resolution PZLPA Z26‑05S, the companion request to rezone parcel 02440‑003 from county commercial intensive to city commercial intensive. Staff presented both items and recommended approval, saying the proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the city’s land‑development regulations. Staff also noted that Suwannee River Water Management permits would be required if impervious area exceeded thresholds or if wetland impacts were found.

The applicant arrived during the rezoning hearing and was sworn. James Todd Steely, speaking for the applicant, raised a separate concern about an apparent fraudulent invoice he had received asking for payment of zoning fees; staff told him the city had already received the fees and warned that a scam is circulating and that applicants should not wire funds to third parties.

A board member moved to approve each resolution as presented; motions were seconded and the board recorded 'yes' votes from Miss McCullum, Miss Wilson, Miss Douglas and the board member recorded as Mr. Gallucci/Carlucci on the roll call. Both motions passed. The votes constitute the board’s recommendation to the City Council; final approval remains with the council.

The resolutions reference procedure under sections 163.3161 through 163.3248 of the Florida Statutes and will be forwarded with staff reports and the board’s findings. The board did not receive public comment during the hearings.

Next steps: the Planning & Zoning Board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for hearing and final action.