City planner Jean Sanchez said the parcel lies within the Kelly Park Interchange Form-Based Code (KPI-FBC) district, which was adopted in 2017 to guide development in the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe applicant intends to develop the property for commercial use, which is consistent with the development pattern envisioned in the city\u2019s Kelly Park Interchange Form-Based Code,\u201d Sanchez said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to staff, annexation would eliminate an existing county enclave and allow future development to be reviewed under city standards. Sanchez said thousands of residential units are already entitled or under development in the area, creating demand for additional commercial services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019d be great to have some commercial services available to them,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez said she met with the applicant\u2019s representative\u00a0before the meeting to better understand the request and stressed that the property falls within the boundaries of the city\u2019s previously adopted Kelly Park planning framework.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I actually saw my map of the form-based code, then I realized it\u2019s an annexation, but it is inside the KPI,\u201d Velazquez said. \u201cIt is what we have kind of designed to have in the KPI.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sanchez explained that the parcel is surrounded by properties that have already been annexed into the city and are designated for mixed-use development under the KPI plan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Commissioner Nadia Anderson highlighted the importance of commercial development as the city continues to evaluate future revenue sources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCommercial is really, really going to\u00a0kind of\u00a0assist us with our budget,\u201d Anderson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Representing the applicant, engineer Luke Classon said his client owns the two adjacent parcels and purchased the subject property late last year. He said the three parcels would likely be assembled into a larger commercial project.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe intention has always been to do commercial,\u201d Classon said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While no final tenants have been secured, Classon said his client has received interest from national retailers\u00a0and is discussing additional land acquisitions that could expand the project.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Several residents spoke during public comment. Albert McKimmie questioned how the proposal relates to ongoing Kelly Park Road right-of-way acquisitions and road-widening efforts, while Leroy Bell urged commissioners to require more project information earlier in the review process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mayor Nick Nesta acknowledged public concerns about annexation but said strategic commercial growth remains important as the city seeks to expand its tax base and provide additional services for residents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also want retail that would come in,\u201d Nesta said. \u201cResidents are wanting places to go, places to eat, places to hang out.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The annexation request will return to the commission for a second reading and final adoption at a future meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Teresa Sargeant has been with The Apopka Chief for over 10 years.<\/p>\n