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Planning commission backs AdventHealth amendment to allow taller hospital envelope at Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a PUD amendment for AdventHealth Polk North Inc. that would permit a limited increase in hospital building height and adjust parking-surface rules for the 41.4-acre site at 6945 Cypress Gardens Boulevard; staff recommended forwarding the amendment to the City Commission with conditions.
The Winter Haven Planning Commission on Aug. 4 recommended approval of a Planned Unit Development amendment sought by AdventHealth Polk North Inc. that would allow a limited increase in hospital building height and change parking-surface requirements on a 41.4-acre site at 6945 Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
Heather Reuter, senior planner, told commissioners the PUD amendment (O-24-47) limits the proposed height increase to a defined interior zone of the property and increases setbacks from adjacent residential areas. Reuter said staff also supports removing the pervious hard-surface parking requirement when total parking exceeds 110% of the minimum required, citing the unique parking demands of hospital uses. "The proposed increase in hospital building height is consistent with the planned unit development zoning and height allowances established for other hospitals within the city," Reuter said.
Dan Adams, a nearby property owner, asked whether the amendment or future construction would change his legal access to a corner parcel he owns near the River Lake Shopping Center. "This is a first notice we've had of anything like that," Adams said, asking whether any demolition or loss of access was planned. Reuter and the applicant's counsel said there are no renderings and the amendment only adjusts an envelope and parking rules; legal easements providing access would remain in place. Tim Campbell, attorney for AdventHealth, said the increased-height envelope sits behind the existing emergency room and is intended to allow a hospital tower to connect to the ER. "We are not proposing to change that easement, or change in any way his access to his property," Campbell said.
A commissioner moved to recommend approval of PD-26-20 as presented; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The planning commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Winter Haven City Commission for final consideration and a scheduled final reading.
