Commission Meeting Minutes

1. Conceptual Presentation for 912 Linden PUD — A Mixed-Use Development Proposing a Luxury Apartment Complex Consisting of Seven Buildings with 252 Units and an 80-Unit Luxury Garage Condominium Development to Cater for Customized Upscale Storage or Personal Offices Ranging Between 1,000 to 1,500 Square Feet Each; Proposed at a 27.76-Acre Parcel Located on the East Side of South Highway 27/441, Approximately 1.5 Miles South of Highway 466 and 850 Linear Feet North of Hartsock Sawmill Road, Identified by Alternate Key 1771421 (Thad Carroll)

Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He turned the presentation over to Mr. Scott Miller of Gelcorp Inc. of Orlando, Florida.

Commissioner Hannan commented that the documents called this proposed development the Villages, and he stated the developer may want to reconsider the name as he may run into some issues with The Villages.

Mr. Miller stated the architect just put that name on his renderings because of the location near The Villages. He stated they have not really thought about names for this project as yet and will address this before they come back.

Commissioner Holden stated the open space for play area seems to be too small for the development, and he asked the developer what he could do to expand the play area.

Mr. Miller replied that perhaps they could reconfigure the parking areas to make more green space. The other way to do that would be to eliminate units, but this would make the economics more difficult. He stated they will address the issue to find more green space.

Commissioner Hannan asked what the tallest height is of any building for this proposal.

Mr. Miller replied that it would be under 35 feet.

Mr. Matt Basaraba stated they are currently heavy with parking and a bigger retention area than necessary, and could perhaps increase the play area by modifying these areas. He stated items  such as play areas and dog parks are driven by marketing analysis; what prospective buyers want.

Commissioner Holden confirmed that the financing for this project would be private financing such as banks.

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard stated she likes the look of the renderings for Apartment Concept #1. She questioned the look of the garage condominium structures. She stated she feels this is a good location for the project.

Mr. Miller stated that concept was used for a project in Clermont. He stated they are leaning toward tilt-wall construction for the garage condominium structure, but will endeavor to make them as attractive as possible. Mr. Miller clarified that the luxury garage condominiums are not designed for residential living or commercial comings and goings; they are for  vehicle enthusiasts or can be used as so-called “man caves”. He mentioned they will have to work on the grade of the site.

After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners present to move forward with proposed project for 912 Linden PUD.

2. Conceptual Presentation of a Proposal to Construct a Trail on the Vacant Wooded Property Owned by the Town between Old Dixie Highway and Arlington Avenue (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He noted that if grant funding was used for this project, there would be a 20-year time limit imposed before the property could be sold or utilized for any other purpose without paying back all grant funding received.

Commissioner Hannan asked if CARES Act funding could be utilized for this project.

Interim Town Manager Thad Carroll stated that any CARES Act expenditures for direct or indirect Covid impacts must occur by December 30^th, and he does not believe that this would be feasible at this time.

Commissioner Holden commented that Mr. Burske has done a great job with this proposal and he stated that he is in favor of this project.

Mayor Pro Tem Kussard stated she toured this property with Mr. Burske and also believes this is a good idea as there are apartments and a single family development nearby that could utilize this park since there is nothing else in the area.

Commissioner Hannan asked if the Town would be able to put a building on this property within the next 20 years if this park was developed.

Mr. Burske replied that as long as the walking trail remains on the property, the Town could still add a building such as a pavilion, even under grant funding. He stated the Town currently has sufficient funding for this project using impact fees without soliciting grant funding, and would then not be locked into any terms regarding future development of this property.

After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners present to move forward with this project as presented, using Parks and Recreation Impact Fees.

Mr. Burske stated he will get design estimates and bring them back to the Commission for approval at a regular meeting.