From Staff Reports
In Summary:
A proposed 363-unit apartment development in The Ridge Planned Development will be the centerpiece of the Apopka City Commission's July 1 agenda. Commissioners are also scheduled to consider first readings for a child care facility on Chandler Road and an annexation of nearly five acres on Dowman Drive. While the agenda is lighter than recent meetings, it continues the city's focus on managing growth and expanding infrastructure.
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The Apopka City Commission will return from its mid-June meeting on Wednesday with a relatively light agenda, but one item is expected to generate the most discussion: a proposal for a 363-unit apartment community near the intersection of Boy Scout Road and Binion Road.
Related: Orange County launches training program to help nonprofits and churches build affordable housing.
Commissioners will meet at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, July 1, at Apopka City Hall. The agenda also includes a proposed child care facility on Chandler Road, an annexation request for property on Dowman Drive, several items for purchase, and a proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Ridge Phase 3
The meeting's lone business item is a quasi-judicial public hearing on The Ridge Phase 3 Major Development Plan, the next phase of the mixed-use Ridge Planned Development.
The proposal calls for the construction of 363 apartment units on approximately 13.2 acres at the southeast corner of Binion Road and Boy Scout Road. The development would include 11 apartment buildings, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, parking areas, sidewalks, landscaping, and internal roadways.
The project would also extend Bronson Lake Drive to connect with Ocoee-Apopka Road, creating another east-west connection within the larger development while providing access to future commercial portions of The Ridge.
City planners determined the proposal is consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The Development Review Committee unanimously recommended approval, while the Planning Commission voted 4-2 in favor after discussing transportation, roadway improvements, and traffic impacts associated with the larger development.
Although Orange County Public Schools identified capacity deficiencies at the elementary and middle school levels, staff reported that the development had already reserved school concurrency capacity through an existing mitigation agreement approved as part of The Ridge Planned Development.
Chandler Road Child Care Facility
Commissioners will conduct first readings of two ordinances that would allow a child care facility on 5.12 acres at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road.
The applicant is requesting a small-scale Future Land Use amendment from Residential Very Low Suburban to Office, along with a rezoning from Residential Single-Family Estate to Office. The property currently contains residential uses but would be redeveloped as a child care center if both ordinances are ultimately approved.
Bateman Properties Annexation
Also on first reading is an annexation request for approximately 4.85 acres at 2850 and 2864 Dowman Drive.
The vacant property, currently located in unincorporated Orange County with Rural future land use and Citrus Rural zoning, would become part of the City of Apopka if approved. The annexation represents another incremental expansion of the city's municipal boundaries, rather than the larger South Apopka annexation effort, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study.
Consent Agenda
Commissioners are also scheduled to consider several routine consent agenda items, including:
- Awarding a retiring Apopka police officer his service weapon after more than 25 years of service.
- Approving two code enforcement lien settlement agreements that would reduce outstanding fines after the properties were brought into compliance.
- Authorizing a sole-source purchasing agreement with HJ3 Composite Technologies for a proprietary repair system to rehabilitate a leaking wastewater treatment tank that has been out of service for several years.
- Approving several piggyback purchasing contracts for motor vehicles, utility work, plumbing services, waste processing, and sanitation equipment.
Looking Ahead
While the July 1 agenda lacks the lengthy policy discussions that have characterized several recent meetings, commissioners will continue reviewing development proposals that reflect Apopka's ongoing growth. The Ridge apartment project, in particular, represents another significant residential addition along the city's rapidly developing Boy Scout Road corridor and is expected to receive the greatest public attention during Wednesday's meeting.
Key Points:
- Commissioners will consider a Major Development Plan for a 363-unit apartment community near Boy Scout Road and Binion Road.
- The project includes an extension of Bronson Lake Drive to connect with Ocoee-Apopka Road.
- Two ordinances would pave the way for a new child care facility on Chandler Road by amending future land use and zoning.
- The commission will hold a first reading on annexing approximately 4.85 acres on Dowman Drive into the city.
- Routine consent agenda items include code enforcement settlements, purchasing agreements, and recognition of a retiring police officer.
