During the meeting, the request to rezone the parcel from agricultural to commercial neighborhood (C1) was presented by representatives of the property owners, Kathleen Weaver, Oscar Smith, and Carol Smith. The proposal aimed to accommodate a dance studio needing more space due to growth. Located near the city of Palatka, the site had a future land use designation of urban reserve. Planning staff confirmed that the property was free from wetlands or special flood hazards and endorsed the rezoning as consistent with comprehensive planning objectives. The surrounding area features commercial zoning on one side and residential zoning on the other.

Questions from council members focused on infrastructure, particularly the property’s water and sewer services. It was confirmed that the site would require septic systems, as the city of Palatka would not annex the property due to unavailable services. Patrick Kennedy, representing the owners, emphasized their dedication to community development, noting their past donation of land for a nearby church. He stated that the dance studio, currently in a smaller venue, needed expansion space, making the proposed site a suitable choice.

Carly Dale, the owner of the dance studio, expressed her need for a larger facility, citing the inadequacy of her current location over the past five years. She underscored the importance of having sufficient parking and space to support her growing clientele. Council members demonstrated support for her plans, recognizing the intent for commercial growth despite some reservations about the site’s zoning context.

Ultimately, the council voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning application, commending the applicants’ foresight and planning efforts. This decision aligns with the county’s broader goals of encouraging commercial development in strategically located areas.

In addition to the dance studio project, the council approved other significant zoning and land use amendments. The meeting included a discussion on a plan amendment, CPA 24-0000000 Z5, which was unanimously approved. This amendment will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for further consideration. Likewise, a rezoning case, Rez 24-00003, associated with the comprehensive plan amendment, also received unanimous approval.

Another case on the agenda involved a request from Daniel and Ashley Jones to amend both the future land use map and zoning map for a 6-acre parcel in Crescent City. The couple sought to revert the property’s designation to agriculture to allow for the placement of a single-family mobile home. The property included 2.5 acres of wetlands, necessitating careful planning to ensure compliance with regulations and to build on high ground. The council moved to consider this request, acknowledging the applicants’ intentions to navigate the zoning complexities and provide a dwelling for their family.

Earlier in the meeting, the council addressed a zoning map amendment request by Robin Matthews for a parcel on Finny Trailer Park Road. The applicant aimed to change the zoning from a residential manufactured home park to residential 2 R2, seeking potential homesteading benefits. The planning commission, acting as an advisory body, recommended approval based on compatibility with county policies and surrounding development. The council also approved this amendment, following a public hearing where no opposition was voiced.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on upcoming business, noting the anticipation of a potential plat for DR Horton and a text amendment to the Land Development Code. No new applications were received for the upcoming month.