From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The Apopka City Commission will meet at 6 pm. Wednesday, September 16, at City Hall. Commissioners are scheduled to consider extending the CRA’s sunset date and cast final votes on several land-use, zoning, and annexation ordinances. Additional items include a stormwater grant, concession operations at the Northwest Recreation Complex, and a presentation on trails and pedestrian safety.
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The Apopka City Commission will consider extending the life of the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency and vote on several development proposals during its meeting Wednesday evening.
Related: Apopka’s CRA has the money... now it needs a transformative mission.
The commission will meet at 6 pm on September 16 in the City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the City of Apopka’s YouTube channel.
One of the most consequential items on the agenda is a request to extend the CRA’s sunset date. The redevelopment agency directs property-tax revenue generated within its district toward projects intended to improve downtown Apopka and surrounding neighborhoods.
The commission’s consideration follows recent CRA discussions about extending the agency for another seven years. The additional time could allow the CRA to complete projects, use accumulated reserves, and pursue longer-term redevelopment priorities.
Interim City Administrator Radley Williams will also present a review of Resolution No. 2025-34 concerning discretionary funds. The agenda does not describe what changes, if any, commissioners may consider during that discussion.
Development proposals return for final votes
Seven public-hearing items are scheduled, including land-use and zoning changes for three development areas and the annexation of a section of Fudge Road.
Two ordinances involve approximately 9.63 acres at 2501 Rock Springs Road. The applicant is seeking land-use and zoning approvals allowing 18 detached single-family homes at a density of two units per acre.
The property is within the attendance zones for Rock Springs Elementary, Apopka Middle and Apopka High schools. Both ordinances are scheduled for second readings and potential final votes.
Another pair of ordinances involves approximately 5.12 acres at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road. The proposal would change the property’s future land-use designation from Residential Very Low Suburban to Office and rezone it from Residential Single-Family-Estate to Office.
The properties are currently used for residential purposes, while the proposed use is a child care facility. The land-use amendment and rezoning are also scheduled for second readings.
Commissioners will also consider two mixed-use land-use amendments near Kelly Park Road.
The Kelly Park Road Commercial proposal covers approximately 3.48 vacant acres east of Effie Drive and north of Kelly Park Road. The property currently has an Orange County Rural future land-use designation and County A-1 zoning.
The requested Mixed-Use designation would allow commercial development and residential density of as many as 10 units per acre, or 15 units per acre with an applicable bonus.
The Twin Fountains Commercial proposal involves approximately 5.09 vacant acres east of Plymouth Sorrento Road and south of Kelly Park Road. Its existing future land-use designation is Residential Very Low Suburban, with Agriculture zoning.
The requested Mixed-Use designation could allow 7.5 to 20 residential units per acre, or up to 25 units per acre with a bonus. Both mixed-use amendments are scheduled for second readings.
The final public-hearing item is an ordinance annexing Fudge Road from Kitt Avenue to State Road 429 and the Connector Road. Public Works Director Vladimir Simonovski will present the request.
Stormwater grant and recreation concessions
Under the consent agenda, commissioners will consider authorizing the city’s finance director to accept and execute a $400,000 grant agreement from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The funding would support the City of Apopka Stormwater Master Plan project. A stormwater master plan can help a city identify drainage needs, flooding vulnerabilities and infrastructure priorities, although the agenda provides no additional details about the project’s scope.
The commission will also consider awarding a contract for concession operations and associated services at the Northwest Recreation Complex. The recommended contractor is sole proprietor Yehia John Kansou, doing business as Mr. Grill.
Another consent item would approve a road closure for True Coffee’s Cars and Coffee event.
Transportation and community recognitions
The meeting will include a presentation from Bike/Walk Central Florida concerning active transportation, trails and pedestrian-safety initiatives. Executive Director Emily Bush and Apopka Senior Planner Jean Sanchez will deliver the presentation.
The commission will also recognize Redevelopment Week and Hispanic Heritage Month through proclamations.
Residents wishing to speak during the general public-comment period must submit a green intent-to-speak form to the city clerk before the meeting begins. Speakers addressing a public-hearing item must submit a white form and will be called when that specific proposal is considered.
Key Points:
- Commissioners will consider extending the sunset date of Apopka’s Community Redevelopment Agency.
- A proposal for 18 single-family homes at 2501 Rock Springs Road is scheduled for final consideration.
- Land-use and zoning changes for a proposed child care facility on Chandler Road are also on the agenda.
- Two properties near Kelly Park Road are seeking Mixed-Use future land-use designations.
- The city could accept a $400,000 state grant for its Stormwater Master Plan project.
