The commission’s analysis of Ocoee’s future growth was a focal point, with extensive debate on population projections and land use. The presentation of data inventory and analysis for the city’s 2045 comprehensive plan update aimed to provide an understanding of the data and analysis behind the future comprehensive plan, particularly in terms of population growth, level of service for transportation, drainage, water and sewer, and parks and recreational services. The comprehensive plan update was described as a significant undertaking involving various city departments and experts to compile and analyze the data. The presentation also highlighted the reorganization of the elements in the plan and the intention to create a more cohesive and visually accessible document for the community.

Members of the commission scrutinized various sources of population data, including figures from the utilities department focusing on water demand projections and capacity assessments. The discussion delved into the population growth of the city, comparing it to neighboring cities and projecting future population based on available vacant land for residential development. There was a debate about the projected population growth and the factors influencing household size, with different sources providing varying ratios. The presentation also addressed the potential population yield based on different unit capacities for residential parcels, providing a range of projected population figures for consideration.

The comprehensive plan update presentation concluded with a visual representation of the proposed reorganization of the plan’s elements and chapters.

The recreation and parks element was another significant topic, with a comprehensive inventory of the city’s parks, amenities, and service areas being presented. The meeting started with a discussion about the city’s park system and its accessibility, emphasizing the need to align the level of park service with national benchmarks based on population size. The population benchmark for park acreage was mentioned, with a goal of reaching 11 acres per 1000 people by 2045. There was also a focus on creating trail connections and considering wellness, diversity, and inclusivity in park planning.

The city engineer and public works director compared the city’s drainage sub-element with those of other cities and proposed updates. The floodplain base maps and elevations were mentioned in the context of policy updates for flood insurance discounts. The mobility element was also addressed, with a focus on road network standards and improvements. The transition from level of service standards to context classification for roads was discussed, with an aim to achieve a level of service E for all roads. Various road improvement projects were highlighted, including considerations for walkability and new developments.

Environmental sustainability was also a key focus, with the commission discussing the impact of golf cart traffic and the need to consider wider rights of way to accommodate sidewalks and landscape strips. The commission explored the protection and conservation of wetlands, hydro soils, and riverine systems within the city’s boundaries. The discussion at the meeting primarily focused on the presentation of a flood vulnerability map, drainage map, and floodplain ordinance. The maps showed areas at risk of flooding based on a hundred-year and 500-year base flood elevations, as well as floodways, basins, sub-basins, and lakes.

The commission planned to hold a public hearing to discuss these matters, possibly breaking the discussion into multiple sessions. They expressed the need to involve the citizenry in the decision-making process and considered increasing maximum densities for certain land uses. Ongoing projects such as the Lakewood Avenue opening, apartment and townhome construction, and the regional sports facility were also discussed. Deliberations included the potential widening of Apopka Road and the closure of McKees Street for three days during spring break to remove the physical rails at the crossing.