The rezoning of a five-acre parcel on Wickham Road was a focal point of the meeting. The request, submitted by Cababella Development LLC and represented by Kim Rzena, sought to change the zoning classification from BU1A to RU-2-6 to facilitate the development of townhomes. Rzena presented a plans, highlighting the benefits of the RU-2-6 zoning, which includes defined requirements leading to predictable development. The proposed development would feature a 50-foot buffer zone between existing single-family homes and the new townhomes, a concrete wall for additional sound and visual barriers, and setbacks of 25 feet. Each townhome is projected to sell for approximately $600,000 and will include two-car garages.

The staff report concluded that the proposal did not violate any comprehensive plan policies. Despite the presentation’s thoroughness, concerns were raised by board members about the lack of affordable housing options in the development. Rzena clarified that the client was not interested in pursuing affordable housing, emphasizing, “he is not in the affordable housing business.” Ultimately, the board voted to approve the rezoning request, with one dissenting vote.

Another discussion revolved around a zoning request from Wayne and Laura Vet, represented by Kim Rosena, to change a property’s classification from BU1 to BU2 for mobile home sales. The request sparked public comments, including those from attorney Sandra Kennedy, who expressed concerns about environmental impacts and the adequacy of notice provided to residents. Kennedy highlighted potential flooding issues and the need for more development restrictions in the flood-prone area.

Residents living adjacent to the proposed site, such as Paul Tucker, echoed these concerns. The board considered the next steps for this request amidst these public concerns, with discussions focusing on water management and maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood.

The meeting further addressed a proposal for an indoor storage facility for recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats. This proposal, intended to provide storage for vehicles in areas where homeowners associations (HOAs) prohibit parking, faced mixed reactions. Some board members viewed the facility as less intrusive than other potential developments, while others expressed opposition, arguing that such facilities do not contribute to job creation and may not address the housing crisis. The proposal resulted in a split decision among board members.

In addition to the contentious zoning discussions, the meeting also saw more favorable proceedings, including the approval of a conditional use permit for the Kings Duck Bar and Grill. The establishment, which had been previously approved in 1971 but closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, received unanimous support from the North Merritt Island Homeowners Association for its reopening. Monica Pritchard, representing the applicant, highlighted community excitement and the new owner’s efforts to upgrade the property, leading to a unanimous approval of the permit.

The meeting concluded with a positive note regarding a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and zoning change request from Ryan and Sarah Lahan. The couple, seeking to build their first home, received a supportive response from the board, with no opposition to their request. Their proposal moved smoothly through the approval process.