From Staff Reports
In Summary:
City leaders will consider a major development plan allowing Freshfields Farm to build a 17,550-square-foot specialty grocery on more than five acres near Armanda Borjas Jr. Way. The store could become a daily-use retail anchor and a steady draw for traffic in the area. Other business includes infrastructure agreements, purchasing contracts, a zoning request, budget amendments, and a proposed reduction in water and wastewater rates.
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A long-vacant commercial parcel along Armando Borjas Jr. Way could soon become one of Apopka’s busiest grocery stops.
Related: Wyld Oaks zoning ordinances pulled from Apopka City Council agenda as development continues to evolve.
When the Apopka City Council meets Wednesday afternoon, the headline item is a proposed Freshfields Farm specialty grocery store, a project that would bring a 17,550-square-foot perishable food market to roughly 5.6 acres just west of U.S. 441. If approved, the development would transform empty land into a regional draw known for bulk produce, fresh meat counters, and discount pricing — the kind of everyday retail that can quickly anchor nearby commercial growth.
The request comes before the council as a Major Development Plan and Construction Site Plan for Freshfields Farm, presented by city planning staff. The proposal lists a low-intensity footprint — about 0.07 floor-area ratio — leaving room for parking, access drives and future flexibility
For residents, the debate may center less on whether a grocery store fits — most would welcome it — and more on traffic flow, access points and how the project complements nearby neighborhoods and businesses. Freshfields stores tend to attract steady, daily traffic rather than occasional shoppers, meaning consistent vehicle movement throughout the day. Supporters often frame that as a stabilizing commercial presence that boosts surrounding property values and keeps shopping dollars local.
Beyond Freshfields, the agenda includes several infrastructure and financial housekeeping items that quietly shape city operations. The council will consider transferring an oversizing utility reimbursement agreement tied to the Oakview area, approve purchasing contracts for water and public works equipment, and hear an investment portfolio update that could incorporate cemetery funds into city policy.
Two public items may also draw attention: a proposed zoning change for property on Lester Road and a resolution to amend the city’s current budget. Another resolution would reduce rates for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services, offering potential relief for residents and businesses if adopted.
The meeting begins at 1:30 pm at Apopka City Hall and will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.
Key Points:
- Council to review Freshfields Farm's major development and construction site plan.
- The proposed grocery store would occupy 5.58 acres and feature a 17,550-square-foot store.
- Possible decrease in water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility rates.
- Zoning change request for Lester Road subdivision scheduled for first reading.
- Finance and public works items include contracts, investment policy updates, and utility line agreements.
