07:45The proposal to rezone a 0.91-acre portion of the golf course to low-density residential was presented by Zach Miller, representing Southside Boulevard Land Company, Inc. The request aimed to address the inconsistency of the current recreational designation with the predominantly residential nature of the surrounding area. The planning staff supported the amendment, citing alignment with the 2050 comprehensive plan and land development code. The proposed change included a commitment to develop a new passive park to counterbalance the loss of recreational open space.

12:29During the presentation, the applicant provided historical context for the property, noting its classification under the RS1 zoning district, which typically requires 90-foot wide lots. However, existing homes nearby are narrower, between 60 and 70 feet wide. To bridge this discrepancy, the proposed lots would be 13,000 square feet, creating a transition between smaller and larger lots in the vicinity. A visual timeline with images from 2008 and 2017 illustrated the area’s development progression. The applicant also highlighted a redesign of the Ponte Training Club’s ocean course, emphasizing unique features within Jacksonville Beach city limits.

20:33Concerns from neighboring residents, particularly regarding a new fence accompanying the development, were addressed. The applicant agreed to forgo 2,000 square feet of the application to accommodate these concerns. Additional issues about construction-related parking on Duvall Drive were raised, with assurances that lot depth and setbacks would prevent obstruction.

23:06The public hearing for this application saw no speaker cards submitted, leading to its closure. The commission subsequently approved the proposal, with staff clarifying that the property had not been utilized for recreation, rendering the rezoning reasonable. Although concerns about setting a precedent for converting unused recreational spaces were voiced, the staff noted the scarcity of privately owned recreational areas in the city, emphasizing consistency in zoning regulations.

05:20In a separate matter, the commission reviewed a request from Bethlehem Lutheran Church to use a vacant building as a daycare center at 1337 8th Avenue North. This building, originally constructed as a single-family home in 1960 and part of a larger church complex, had lost its grandfathered status for daycare use due to a year of inactivity. Gordon Grant, representing the church, outlined the property’s history, noting its previous function as a daycare before becoming a vicarage for seminary students. With a new property acquired for the vicarage, the church sought to revert the building back to its daycare use.

06:41The planning and development department supported the request, finding no prior complaints or enforcement issues during the building’s time as a daycare. The proposal was in line with the 2050 comprehensive plan and land development code. Following Grant’s presentation, no questions were raised by commissioners, and the public hearing yielded no comments. The commission approved the application unanimously.