From Staff Reports
In Summary:
City leaders approved plans for a 17,550-square-foot Fresh Fields Farm market on 5.6 acres at South Apopka Boulevard, Hiawassee Road, and Armando Borjas Jr. Way. Commissioners questioned the circulation of delivery trucks, lighting spillage, and landscaping choices, with staff outlining safeguards built into the design. The vote clears the way for the construction of a neighborhood-focused grocery offering bulk produce and lower prices for residents.
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Apopka is set to get a new neighborhood grocery option after city officials unanimously approved plans for a 17,550-square-foot specialty perishable food market at the corner of South Apopka Boulevard, Hiawassee Road, and Armando Borjas Jr. Way.
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City planning staff presented the proposal for Freshfields Farm, describing the store as a neighborhood-serving market intended to transition between major roadways and nearby subdivisions. The project would sit on about 5.6 acres and include parking, stormwater ponds, and enhanced buffers along residential edges.
The site is designated commercial on the city’s future land use map and zoned Community Commercial, making the grocery use consistent with current regulations. Planning staff and the Development Review Committee recommended approval, followed by a unanimous vote from the Planning Commission.
Still, commissioners pressed staff on neighborhood impacts.
Commissioner Nick Nesta raised issues from residents about delivery traffic spilling onto smaller streets.
“A couple of concerns that came up from the residents when they had their meeting … one was making sure that truck traffic that was delivering and picking up whatever it may be, is not spilling over into Armando Borjas," Nesta said. "And it's my understanding that the way that site's designed, it's not going to lead to that.”
Staff responded that delivery trucks would use right-in/right-out access points on Apopka Boulevard and Hiawassee Road, with the Armando Borjas Jr. Way entrance designed primarily for customer vehicles. Staff also said that lighting must comply with city code limits to prevent spillover into neighboring homes, and that sidewalks will be added around the site.
Landscaping was another focus.
Commissioner Diane Velazquez asked where plants would come from and whether local species would be used.
“The landscaping that we're … going to put on the property, where are they getting the trees and buffers? Velazquez asked. "Are they using any local?”
Staff said they did not have sourcing details and deferred to the applicant. The project’s representative said contractors would ultimately select suppliers but confirmed the plan must comply with the city’s Urban Forest Code and Florida-friendly landscaping standards.
Mayor Bryan Nelson said he was enthusiastic about what the specialty grocer could mean for local shoppers, pointing to the chain’s bulk buying model and lower produce prices.
“I'm excited about this one,” Nelson said. “Their store down in South Orlando is just amazing… they buy it by the truckload, so their pricing is really, really good… You’ll be happy they came to town.”
The City Commission voted unanimously to approve the major development and construction site plan, clearing the way for the project to move forward.
Key Points:
- Specialty perishable food market approved unanimously
- Truck access is limited to arterial roads to protect neighborhood streets
- Sidewalks and buffering are required along residential edges
- Florida-friendly and native landscaping encouraged
- Store known for bulk produce and competitive pricing
