Palm Bay’s Feb 5 Planning & Zoning Meeting – Major Developments on the Agenda

Find out how new housing, businesses, and infrastructure projects could impact Palm Bay residents.

Palm Bay, FL — The Palm Bay Planning and Zoning Board will convene on February 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers to review several key land use and development proposals. Here is a summary of the main actionable items under consideration, which could have direct impacts on residents, businesses, and infrastructure in Palm Bay.

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Variance Requests

V24-00008 – Marchly and Francoise Jean

• A request to allow a home addition that encroaches 3.47 feet into the 25-foot rear setback at 299 Bougainvillea Street NW.

• The variance is sought due to construction exceeding permitted dimensions.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial due to non-compliance with setback regulations and the lack of unique hardship.

V24-00010 – Santiago De Jesus Sermeno Torres (Quintero's Construction LLC, Rep.)

• A request to allow a proposed single-family residence to encroach 14.5 feet into the east 25-foot rear setback at 1621 Westlund Avenue SE.

• The applicant cites septic and well placement constraints as justification.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial, stating that alternative home designs could comply with zoning setbacks.

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Conditional Use Request

CU25-00002 – Brevard Nursing Academy (Treeland Property Owner, LLC, Rep.)

• A request to allow an educational institution in a Light Industrial and Warehousing District at 1470 Treeland Boulevard SE.

• The academy seeks relocation for expansion while remaining in Palm Bay.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval, citing compatibility with surrounding commercial and industrial uses, sufficient parking, and adherence to conditional use requirements.

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Comprehensive Plan Amendment

CP24-00010 – Ashton Park (Banack Family Limited Partnership, Rep.)

• This project is of particular interest to residents near Micco Road and the future St. Johns Heritage Parkway extension, as it will bring significant changes to the local landscape.

• The 133-acre development is part of a broader mixed-use community plan aimed at providing more housing, commercial amenities, and green spaces.

• This project is expected to bring new services and employment opportunities that will directly impact nearby residents. The increased commercial space will provide convenient access to shopping and dining, while job creation will enhance local economic stability.

• Housing Breakdown: (Total mixed use community)

  • 4,738 single-family homes

  • 746 multi-family apartment units

  • Townhomes

  • 286-unit age-restricted community

• Commercial Space: Over 1.5 million square feet dedicated to shopping, dining, and entertainment, reducing the need for long commutes and fostering local economic activity.

• Infrastructure Upgrades:

  • Widening key roadways such as Micco Road and Babcock Street to reduce congestion.

  • Additional public transit options, including extended bus routes and new transit stops, to improve accessibility.

  • Expansion of water and sewer capacity to meet increased demand and ensure reliable service for both new and existing residents.

• Recreational & Green Spaces:

  • Parks, walking trails, and potential community centers.

  • Some amenities will be publicly accessible, while others may be privately maintained within residential communities.

  • These additions aim to enhance quality of life by providing safe and accessible outdoor spaces for families, joggers, and pet owners.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval, citing alignment with city growth objectives and its potential to enhance the local economy and quality of life. However, concerns have been raised regarding increased traffic congestion, strain on local schools, and potential environmental impacts. Residents have also expressed interest in ensuring that infrastructure improvements are completed before full project buildout.

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Final Notes

Residents interested in these matters are encouraged to attend the meeting and participate in discussions. If approved, these proposals will move forward to the City Council for final decision-making. Individuals who wish to appeal any decision must ensure proper documentation of the proceedings as per Florida law.

Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.