Rockledge committee advances Reserve at Turtle Creek preliminary plat with conditions

Planning Director John Cooper introduced the preliminary subdivision plat for the Reserve at Turtle Creek, a proposed development on the existing Turtle Creek Golf Course, saying the committee's role is to review compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations Section 26.00. The application will next be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Oct. 1.

Public Safety Director and Police Chief Christopher Crawford pressed the applicant on emergency-access details, asking about stabilized emergency access, ingress/egress, right-of-way width and maintenance of the access road. Ana Saunders, the applicant's agent with BSE Consultants, said the applicant would be "open to a Development Agreement" to address project nuances and confirmed that engineering will address emergency-access stabilization and fire-suppression water availability. Wastewater Inspector Jim Trainor said the existing lift station is at maximum capacity and that "a new lift station will have to be designed and added for this project."

The committee discussed traffic mitigation, including the potential to connect a secondary ingress/egress to Barnes Boulevard to reduce traffic pressure on Admiralty Boulevard, and Public Works Director Victor "VJ" Karycki reviewed existing stormwater requirements. Planning Director Cooper noted the plat lacked a legal description and right-of-way pavement widths and requested that proposed building setbacks be shown. He also raised questions about a buffer treatment (the applicant described a raised berm with vegetation as an option), the Twisted Birch commercial outparcel, and an eagle's nest; Saunders said they have contacted the appropriate authorities to permit the nest.

City Manager Dr. Brenda Fettrow asked that lots on the northern side be 75-foot lots rather than a mix of 55- and 75-foot lots; the project team said there are no plans for a clubhouse or pool. Project Manager Brian Bussen said the applicant does not intend to keep the on-site restaurant after project completion.

After discussion, Public Safety Director/Police Chief Christopher Crawford moved to approve the plat with conditions; Victor "VJ" Karycki seconded. The committee approved the preliminary plat by unanimous vote, attaching requirements for a paved, gated secondary access on Barnes Boulevard (right-in/right-out only), design and installation of a lift station and required utilities to meet city codes, and a Development Agreement to memorialize terms. The application proceeds to the Planning Commission on Oct. 1.