Palm Bay Planning and Zoning Board Reviews Key Development Proposals
Board Approves Rezoning and Conditional Use for Self-Storage Facility Amid Mixed Reactions
PALM BAY, FL — The Planning and Zoning Board convened on June 5, 2024, to review several significant development proposals, including a contentious rezoning and conditional use request for a new self-storage facility. The meeting, which saw a mix of support and opposition from board members and the public, resulted in the approval of all items on the agenda.
Key Decisions and Discussions
Rezoning and Conditional Use for Self-Storage Facility
The primary focus of the meeting was the rezoning and conditional use request for a proposed self-storage facility on Cogan Drive. The applicant, represented by civil engineer Jake Wise and investment group representative Adam Sauerstein, sought to rezone a 3-acre parcel from General Use Holding District to Community Commercial District and obtain a conditional use permit for a three-story, 100,000 square foot self-storage facility.
Arguments in Favor:
Low Traffic Impact: The facility is expected to generate minimal traffic, with an average of 15 trips per day, making it a suitable addition to the area.
Aesthetic Design: The proposed building features an office-like appearance with enhanced architectural elements, aiming to blend seamlessly with the surrounding community.
Community Need: The applicants argued that there is a significant demand for self-storage in the area, citing a saturation level of only 6.5 square feet per person, below the national average of 10 square feet per person.
Economic Benefits: The project promises to convert vacant land into a revenue-generating business, contributing to the city's tax base without adding residential density.
Arguments Against:
Environmental Concerns: Opponents, including local resident John McGee, raised concerns about the loss of green space and potential impacts on local wildlife and pedestrian safety.
Saturation of Storage Units: Some residents argued that the area already has sufficient storage facilities, questioning the necessity of another one.
Community Character: Critics contended that Bayside Lakes was not intended to become a hub for storage facilities, emphasizing the need to preserve the community's residential character.
Board Decision: The board approved the rezoning (Case Z23-0015) and conditional use (Case CU23-0019) requests with a unanimous vote of 7-0, despite the mixed reactions from the public.
Preliminary and Final Plat Approvals
The board also reviewed and approved preliminary (Case PS24-0002) and final (Case FS24-0003) plat requests for the Palm Bay Stor Now project. This proposal involves subdividing a 9.75-acre parcel on Malabar Road, in front of Heritage High School into two commercial lots, one of which will house a self-storage facility currently under construction.
Key Points:
Shared Infrastructure: The stormwater management system and utilities for the existing self-storage facility will also serve the new lot, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Single Entrance: Both lots will share a single entrance on Malabar Road, minimizing traffic disruptions.
Board Decision: Both the preliminary and final plat requests were approved unanimously, facilitating the subdivision and future development of the property.
Future Considerations
During the meeting, board members also discussed the scheduling of future meetings, particularly the potential cancellation of June meetings to align with the City Council's schedule. This proposal aims to provide a break for staff and volunteers, ensuring more efficient and focused meetings.
Chairman's Remarks: Board Chairman expressed his displeasure with the current scheduling, advocating for a formal amendment to the bylaws to eliminate June meetings starting in 2025. This suggestion will be revisited in future discussions.
Conclusion
The June 5, 2024, Planning and Zoning Board meeting highlighted the ongoing development and growth in Palm Bay, balancing community needs with economic opportunities. The approved projects reflect the board's commitment to thoughtful urban planning, despite the challenges and diverse opinions presented.
For more detailed coverage and future updates, stay tuned to The Palm Bayer.
I attended this meeting and it was unanimous to allow this storage unit to be built on kogan Drive.
This is the same board that recommended to the city council to put a moratorium on storage units. Even though the city council deferred action on it, this board could have stood their ground and denied construction of any more storage units. Instead they caved in because of lack of action of the city council rather than stand by their decision from the previous recommendation.
Plopping down three-story storage units in the middle of single family home developments is just another example of how there is absolutely no plan in Palm Bay.
Given the Council's propensity to further restrict storage options on non HOA residential property, (recent new restrictions on sheds, what you can have in your back yard etc) , people need a place to put their "stuff" . If you are lucky enough to have a garage with your house, it often becomes defacto storage for your mother-in-law's dinette set and other heirlooms. Given that , it seems to be understandable that there is a demand for off-site storage. (Aside from i think if its their commercial property they can build what they want, they wouldn't ask to build them if there was no demand). Thus more off-site storage seems to have a place. Losen up what I can have on my private property and I might give you a different pov. If this was truly about "green-space" , then lets loosen up what private construction can be built on empty lots. A garage only on a 85 x 125' lot (constructed within the aesthetics of the neighborhood, stucco on block for ex) would leave a lot of trees and grass. Allowing someone to park their equipment on a empty lot (make them fence it if it bothers you ) would serve the same purpose.