The most notable issue discussed was the proposed extended stay hotel, slated for a vacant 3.71-acre parcel on the south side of West Road near Ocoee Papaka Road. The proposal, which required a special exception due to its location in a C2 zoning area, faced vocal opposition from local residents concerned about safety and community impact.

Brett McFarland, the city’s concurrency and commitment coordinator, outlined the project details, noting that the four-story hotel would feature 124 rooms and an interior corridor, sharing access and stormwater management with the adjacent Lady Bird Academy. Despite the Development Review Committee’s recommendation for approval, contingent on landscape buffer and wetland analysis, the community’s response was negative.

During the public hearing, Kelly Beck, the HOA President for the nearby Greens at Forest Lake community, expressed strong opposition. Beck highlighted concerns about transient populations and potential negative impacts, specifically referencing issues of evictions, mental health, and addiction problems seen in similar establishments. She emphasized the proximity to a daycare center and elementary school, articulating the potential risks to children. Beck concluded by urging the commission to consider the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

Sherry Beach, another resident, echoed Beck’s concerns, stressing that the hotel would not add value to the community and could exacerbate traffic congestion. She argued that the increased number of business centers and warehouses had already impacted the family atmosphere of Ocoee, and the addition of an extended stay hotel would further detract from the community’s character.

Natalie Lopez, a mother and resident, shared her fears about the potential risks to children traveling to and from schools. Chris Atkins, with over a decade of experience in corporate housing, challenged the staff’s claims about the suitability of extended stays for corporate housing, noting that such facilities are not typically used for this purpose. Keith Hadley, a local educator, raised concerns about homelessness and safety, citing the presence of street walkers near schools.

The applicant attempted to differentiate the proposed hotel from other problematic establishments. However, the residents remained unconvinced, emphasizing the potential long-term negative implications for the community.

In response, the commission discussed the possibility of attaching conditions to the proposal, such as limiting guest stay duration, but ultimately the strong community opposition led to a motion to recommend denying the special exemption.

In other business, the commission considered the Shops of Bluff project, previously known as Ocoee Trail Village. This proposal involved amending the comprehensive plan and rezoning a 4.3-acre parcel from low-density residential to commercial use, allowing for the development of two retail and restaurant buildings. The zoning manager highlighted the project’s design elements, including the integration of the West Orange Trail, additional buffering, landscaping, and a public picnic pavilion. The applicant agreed to exclude tattoo parlors and smoke shops from permitted uses, addressing community concerns about overdevelopment and specific business types. The commission moved forward with approving the staff’s recommendations, including these restrictions.

The meeting also touched on the city’s land development code and comprehensive plan updates. Resident Chris Atkins questioned the timing and costs of these updates, and the commission discussed a proposed six-month moratorium on new development approvals. This moratorium would allow time to focus on updating the land development code and comprehensive plan.

Additionally, the commission received updates on various infrastructure projects, including new roads in the Crown Point area and the status of Clark Road and Palm Drive realignment.