Palm Bay's Planning and Zoning Board to Weigh Fate of Bramblewood Townhomes, Majors Golf Course
Fitness Centers to Gain Permitted Use in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, Reflecting Growing Health and Wellness Focus.
On January 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the Planning and Zoning Board of Palm Bay will assemble at the Council Chambers, located at 120 Malabar Road SE, to deliberate on a series of significant development projects that could define the city's fabric. The agenda for this crucial meeting includes a host of pivotal action items:
1. **Bramblewood Townhomes (FD23-00008):** A final development plan by JWH Holdings, LLC is on the table for a 126-unit townhome subdivision, Bramblewood Townhomes, located east of Bramblewood Circle SE and south of Bayside Lakes Boulevard SE. The project's scale and location have raised concerns among residents about its impact on the character of the Bayside Lakes community and the future of The Majors Golf Course
The Majors Golf Club, a cherished green space within the Bayside Lakes area, has been at the heart of a zoning dispute following its closure. The owners sought to rezone the property from Golf/recreational to residential, with plans to sell the land for a 360-home development. This move was met with strong opposition from the community, who feared the loss of the golf course would negatively affect property values, increase traffic congestion, and strip the community of a valuable recreational asset. The Palm Bay Zoning Board voted against the rezoning, aligning with residents who wish to see the golf course preserved for community use and activities.
Despite the board's decision, the golf course remains unused and in a state of neglect, prompting the City of Palm Bay to hold public workshops to discuss its future. The community's attachment to the golf course is evident, with over 3,000 individuals signing an online petition to keep the golf course zoned for recreational use. As the city deliberates on the fate of The Majors Golf Club, the proposed Bramblewood Townhomes development adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about land use and community values in Palm Bay.
With the Planning and Zoning Board's decisions carrying considerable weight, the outcome of the Bramblewood Townhomes proposal will be a key indicator of how Palm Bay will balance development with the preservation of community spaces and the desires of its residents."
2. **Lipscomb Street Townhomes (FS23-00011):** Presented by Paul Daly and Don Ballew, this plan involves a 202-unit townhome development known as Lipscomb Street Townhomes. Spanning approximately 24.56 acres, this development is poised to increase residential capacity east of Lipscomb Street NE and west of Robert J. Conlan Boulevard NE.
3. **Palm Bay Suites & Residences (CP23-00020 and PD23-00008):** Both items, which are requests to continue to a future meeting, involve a comprehensive plan amendment and a preliminary development plan for a mixed-use subdivision. This project, by Palm Bay Development Group, LLC, includes a 100-room hotel and 294 multi-family units on approximately 26.5 acres west of Robert J. Conlan Boulevard NE.
4. **Palm Bay Pointe West (PD23-00005, FD23-00012, CP23-00012):** These continuation requests by Kimaya, LLC involve both preliminary and final development plans for a commercial and multi-family subdivision, as well as a land use amendment for an 84.75-acre site located west of Babcock Street SE. The proposed development includes a commercial area and multi-family housing, potentially transforming a significant tract of land north and south of St. John’s Heritage Parkway.
5. **Palm Bay Pointe East (PD23-00007, FD23-00010):** Similar to Palm Bay Pointe West, these continuation requests concern preliminary and final development plans for a commercial subdivision named Palm Bay Pointe East. The area in question encompasses approximately 42.95 acres east of Babcock Street SE, with potential for substantial commercial development.
6. **Fitness Centers Permitted Use (T23-00030):** A proposal from the City of Palm Bay's Growth Management Department aims to amend the zoning code to allow fitness centers and similar indoor and outdoor recreational facilities in various commercial and industrial zoning districts. This amendment reflects a growing interest in promoting health and wellness in the community.
With these items on the agenda, the Planning and Zoning Board's decisions will be closely watched by residents and developers alike, as they will have lasting implications for Palm Bay's development and community character.
The entire P&Z meeting agenda may be viewed here.