The proposed Ocoee Regional Sports Complex involves a plan amendment to convert 117.7 acres of low-density residential and 32.3 acres of conservation land into commercial use. Zoning Manager Whitfield explained this transition, highlighting that the project is situated at the southeast corner of Ocoee Poplar Road and Fuller’s Crossroad. The development plan includes 17 baseball fields, a special needs legacy field, and 1.3 million square feet of mixed-use commercial space. Plans feature hotels totaling 1,250 keys and a pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk, transforming an existing canal.

This project promises an increase in allowable density, with the potential for 19.6 million square feet of commercial space, although a proposed text amendment limits the floor area ratio to 0.4. The development aims to create about 10,000 jobs within three to five years and projects an economic impact of $540 million annually. The commission is particularly keen on ensuring the project adheres to environmental protections and infrastructure improvements.

Environmental concerns took center stage, as the proposed location encompasses a significant wetland area. Of the 21.94 acres of conservation lands, 75% are wetlands. Developers plan to mitigate impacts by replacing wetlands at a two-to-one ratio, dedicating 9.9 acres to the city and providing a management plan for 287 acres in total, including 277 acres already owned by the city. The Public Works department requested an evaluation to establish a baseline for monitoring wetland functionality.

The environmental analysis did not find any threatened or endangered species but identified three commercially exploited plant species. Recommendations included another analysis 30 days prior to construction. The Development Review Committee recommended project approval, emphasizing perpetual funding for wetlands management and necessary road improvements, specifically the widening of Ocoee Poplar and McGuire Roads.

The commission paid close attention to infrastructure readiness, with members stressing the importance of completing road improvements before construction begins. Past projects have shown that premature development without infrastructure readiness leads to complications. The assistant city manager assured the commission that a development agreement would enforce a clear timeline for improvements, preventing occupancy before necessary infrastructure is in place.

Discussion also covered access points to the project, with plans for a property on access points between Fullers Crossroad and Qua Papaka Road. Commission members emphasized transparency and planned further discussions in upcoming meetings. A motion to recommend approval of the ordinance for the comprehensive plan amendment passed unanimously, with one abstention.

Further updates during the meeting included the construction of a Wawa convenience store, Magnolia Town Homes, and a mixed-use development at McGuire and Old Winter Garden Road, which will feature multifamily housing and retail space. The commission also approved a new ordinance amending the local building code, requiring the first floor of multifamily buildings to be constructed with materials like brick or steel for improved structural integrity.