Winter Haven Considers Land Use and Zoning Change to Property to Accommodate HVAC Company
by James Coulter
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company could be arriving to Winter Haven if less than an acre of land has its zoning and land use designation amended.
At their regular meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven city commissioners considered two ordinances that would have changed the zoning and land use of less than an acre of land.
The two ordinances would change the property’s land use to Neighborhood Support and its zoning to Commercial- Highway (C-3). If changed, the property would be able to accommodate a proposed HVAC company.
The subject parcel, which is less than an acre, is located at 2400 Avenue E, SW. It currently contains a 13,716-square-foot storage/warehouse building and a 1,210-square-foot office building, which was built in 1972.
“The subject property is surrounded by single-family residential across Avenue E, SW to the north; single-family residential across 24th Street, SW to the east; CSX railroad tracks to the south; and a warehouse and office building to the west,” the city staff memo states. “Additionally, across the railroad tracks to the south is vacant property zoned C-3.”
Upon reviewing the two ordinances, city staff concluded that “the subject parcel is not well suited for residential uses” and that “no additional demands on public infrastructure are expected at this time.”
Sarah Case, Owner of Next Level Planning and Permitting,addressed concerns from staff. She claims the building currently on the land is being utilized as a storage facility, and that the ordinances were proposed as a financial lender would not be able to loan to a proposed construction that was “non-conforming use.”
She further clarified that no other intense development to the property, such as additional buildings, parking spaces, or stormwater retention, would be made if the ordinances were approved.
City commissioners did not vote on either ordinance. Both will be voted on during their second reading at the next meeting scheduled for Mon. Oct. 28.
