🏛️ Palm Bay Planning & Zoning Board Recap – March 5, 2025
Palm Bay, FL — The Palm Bay Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board convened on March 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, with four of seven board members present to deliberate on significant land use and zoning requests. Below is a summary of the discussions, public input, and board decisions for each agenda item.
🏫 Old Business
🏥 Brevard Nursing Academy Expansion (CU25-00002)
Brevard Nursing Academy’s request to relocate to a larger facility in Palm Bay was back on the agenda after being continued from the February meeting. The institution, which aims to expand training programs for healthcare professionals, proposed moving to a site in a Light Industrial and Warehousing (LI) District at 1470 Treeland Boulevard SE.
Discussion: The board revisited concerns about parking adequacy and traffic flow in the area. Representatives from the academy provided additional information on student capacity and transportation management.
Public Input: One nearby business owner expressed concerns about increased traffic, while others supported the project, emphasizing the need for more medical training facilities.
Decision: ✅ Approved (4-0), with conditions to ensure compliance with parking and traffic management regulations.
🏗️ New Business
Variance Request – Evan and Amanda Werner (V24-00007)
Evan and Amanda Werner sought a variance to construct a carport that would encroach 25 feet into the required 25-foot side corner setback at 3202 Jackson Avenue NE.
Discussion: Board members debated whether approving the request would set a precedent for similar variances, as granting an exception could open the door for future setback encroachments. The applicants reiterated that their property layout, including existing trees and utility lines, limited their options for carport placement. They also argued that the carport would enhance the functionality of their home while maintaining the neighborhood’s overall appearance. The board discussed potential compromises, such as a modified design or a reduced encroachment, but ultimately, concerns about zoning consistency and precedent carried more weight in the final decision.
Public Input: Two neighbors voiced opposition, citing concerns over property values and sightline obstructions, while one neighbor supported the request, stating that it would not impact the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Decision: ❌ Denied (3-1), with the board maintaining the importance of zoning consistency.
♻️ Foundation Park Recycling Center Applications
The Foundation Park Recycling Center brought forward three separate requests: a Future Land Use Map amendment, a rezoning request, and a conditional use permit to establish a Green Recycling Facility in an LI, Light Industrial and Warehousing District.
Future Land Use Map Amendment (CP24-00011)
Discussion: Board members questioned whether transitioning the 15.4-acre site from Low-Density Residential (LDR) to Industrial (IND) aligned with Palm Bay’s long-term planning goals. Some members expressed concern that allowing industrial expansion in the area could set a precedent for further conversions, gradually shifting the character of nearby residential zones. Others noted that the city’s economic development plan encourages industrial growth in strategic corridors to support job creation and infrastructure improvements. Developers argued that the project would provide economic benefits by reducing landfill reliance, creating 15 to 20 jobs, and generating tax revenue.
Public Input: Residents voiced concerns over increased truck traffic, noise, and environmental impact. "This facility will completely change the character of our neighborhood. We already struggle with heavy traffic, and adding industrial trucks will make it worse," said Vernon Densler, a nearby resident. In contrast, supporters argued that the project would reduce landfill waste and create jobs. "Sustainable infrastructure like this is crucial for our city's future," said Bruce Moye, the project’s representative.
Decision: ⚖️ Approved (2-2, forwarded to City Council with no recommendation).
Rezoning Request (CPZ24-00007)
The Future Land Use Map amendment failed to secure a recommendation, resulting in a 2-2 deadlock. Despite this, the applicant chose to proceed with the rezoning request and conditional use permit, citing the critical need for industrial development and long-term economic benefits.
Discussion: Some members raised concerns about setting a precedent for industrial encroachment, while others emphasized that the area had already been designated for industrial expansion. The discussion also touched on infrastructure, road capacity, and noise mitigation measures.
Public Input: "We already have heavy traffic issues on Babcock Street, and adding a steady stream of industrial trucks will only make it worse," said Rachel Denzler, a nearby homeowner. Supporters emphasized job creation and tax revenue, with Michael Cram, a project representative, stating, "This facility will bring stable employment opportunities and provide essential recycling services."
Decision: ⚖️ Approved (2-2, forwarded to City Council with no recommendation), with stipulations on buffering requirements to mitigate impacts.
Conditional Use Permit (CU24-00008)
Discussion: Board members focused on operational safeguards, noise reduction, and fire safety, referencing past incidents at similar facilities. The applicant reassured the board that state and local regulations would be strictly followed, including monitoring air quality and ensuring proper waste management.
Public Input: "If a fire like that happens here, it could spread quickly to nearby homes and wooded areas," warned Vitali Burns, a concerned resident. Others cited concerns over air quality and dust from mulching operations. Supporters countered that the facility would help reduce landfill use while creating sustainable jobs.
Decision: ⚖️ Approved (2-2, forwarded to City Council with no recommendation), contingent upon compliance with strict environmental and traffic control measures.
📢 What’s Next?
The Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendations will now be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in upcoming discussions to share their views on these developments.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.