The proposed development, situated near the city of Palm Bay and the Deer Run community, aims to incorporate 3,246 residential units and 398,000 square feet of commercial space. The location’s proximity to Palm Bay City Limits and the St. John’s Heritage Parkway was a focal point of the presentation by Kim Renka of Lacy Lyons Rosenka, with an emphasis on the potential for increased traffic and the need for comprehensive infrastructure planning.

A traffic impact analysis presented by traffic engineer James Taylor highlighted potential capacity issues on Babcock Street, a concern echoed by community members who fear that the influx of residents could exacerbate existing traffic problems. The potential strain on school capacity was also a point of contention, with solutions such as portable classrooms and the use of available school sites being considered but met with skepticism regarding their feasibility and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the president of the Deer Run Homeowners Association raised concerns about the proposed zoning request by Santa, which would rezone an agricultural area to R4 and potentially result in a density count much higher than the initially presented three homes per acre. The discrepancy raised alarms over the compatibility of the proposed development with the current lifestyle of Deer Run, where zoning allows for one home per 2.5-acre parcel. The president stressed the potential impact of such a dense development on the surrounding environmentally endangered lands (EEL) program and the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary.

The infrastructure strain was not limited to traffic and schools; residents also expressed worries about the adequacy of water and sewage systems, fire and police services, healthcare, and the overall capacity of public services to handle the new development. The environmental concerns, particularly regarding stormwater drainage and the development’s compatibility with existing zoning regulations, were also debated.

During the meeting, there was a motion to recommend a different land use designation for the proposed development.

The complex issue of sustainable development versus urban sprawl was another topic of debate. The project’s proponents underscored the need for a certain level of residential density to support the infrastructure and services envisioned for the area. This point was discussed in the context of the city’s code, which may require amendments to accommodate the proposed development’s size and the commercial component that it necessitates.

One of the key challenges highlighted was the need for greater community engagement and awareness. The president of the Deer Run Homeowners Association criticized the late dissemination of courtesy letters about the proposed development, which resulted in many residents being uninformed until the last minute. This lack of communication has prompted calls for increased participation among homeowners, particularly as the proposal moves forward to the commissioner’s meeting.