Proposed Development with 132 Multi-Family Residential Units Raises Concerns about Supporting Infrastructure and Nearby Schools
by James Coulter
A proposed development near Recker Highway, which will potentially create 132 multi-family residential units, has residents raising concerns about whether the area’s existing infrastructure, utilities, and schools can support it.
At their regular meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance that will rezone an 8.8-acre parcel of land from Single Family Residential – Small Lot (R-2) to Multi-Family Residential- Low Density (R-3).
The rezoning will permit the property, located east of the intersection of Recker Highway and 21st Street SW in Winter Haven, to be developed with approximately 132 multi-family residential units, based on the maximum permitted density of 15 units per acre for properties in the R-3 zoning designation.
“This [number of units] represents an increase of 88 units over the maximum number of units potentially developed under the current R-2 zoning,” the ordinance memo stated.
The residential areas surrounding the proposed development site, according to the city staff memo, “include the Stonebridge Villas single-family attached subdivision, developed at approximately 10.6 units per acre, and the Stonebridge single-family detached subdivision to the south; CSX railroad tracks to the east; vacant property zoned R-2 to the north; and vacant property zoned C-3 to the west.”
However, a few residents raised concerns about whether the surrounding community can handle this proposed development, and whether its existing infrastructure, utilities, and schools could handle an influx of new residents.
One resident, Kim Davis, raised this concern during public comments. She asked if these new units would be two-story. To which, she was informed that the maximum height was four stories up to 52 feet.
She mentioned how the local schools were struggling, especially with these schools being old and experiencing a shortage of bus drivers. She advised commissioners to take caution that the community can handle the new development before approving it.
“This is a really struggling area and we keep approving growth in these areas,” she said. “Allegedly, we are confirming there is enough infrastructure, water, and schools, but the schools are not ahead of the growth. So I just want to emphasize [to] please make sure there is actually adequate schooling and classrooms and teachers and bus drivers–Hello? We have a major shortage of bus drivers right now–before we approve more stuff.”
One city commissioner agreed with her concerns but assured her that the development was in good hands. The developer, Blue Sky Communities, has a good track record and has proven themselves attentive to the needs of the city and community, he said.
“If this were not Blue Sky, I would have a problem with it,” he said. “Blue Sky has a track record of what they will do out there consistent with the goals we have set as a commission for the workforce and affordable housing. It is a good fit…Because this is Blue Sky, I have a lot of confidence in them and I appreciate what they are doing for Winter Haven and Polk County. They are filling a real need that we have. I wish them well.”
Another city commissioner likewise agreed that adjacent concurrency was a concern of his, but also considered the developer trustworthy with their proposed goals and endeavors.
“Adjacent concurrency is a pet peeve of mine. It is detrimental to our schools, in my opinion, and something our state legislature needs to look at,” he said. “But I concur Blue Sky is doing a phenomenal job. They are providing a much-needed good tool in the tool chest when it comes to the affordability of local housing. I hope that this project and expect it to be equal to and greater than other projects they put forth in date.”
