(PENSACOLA) --- The Escambia County Planning Board amended the 2030 Future Land Use (FLU) map.
The June 2 meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, with board members approving the "small-scale" change of 4.69 acres from Commercial (C) to Mixed-Use Urban (MU-U) along Houston Avenue.
The only agenda item other than approval of the last meeting minutes was a brief discussion of the map amendment led by Staff Analyst Caleb McCarty.
(Photo: Escambia County Planning Board)
"This is in the vicinity of a 20-year wellhead," McCarty said.
Land Use Planner, Attorney Meredith Bush, told the board members it is a "relatively straightforward ask" from commercial to MU-U. Bush noted that the annual average daily traffic on Mobile Highway is 33,500 trips, which will have no adverse impact, according to the Transportation Department's review.
Additionally, Bush said the Escambia Utility Authority also reports no "capacity restraints" on sanitary, sewer and water, and "there are no wetlands indicated on the subject property." Parks, recreation, and open space have not yet been reviewed, according to Bush, who said she contacted the Florida Division of Historical Resources, which reported "protected artifacts or concerns."
Bush noted a 4.72-acre amendment; however, the agenda item lists only 4.69 acres.
The amendment meets the criteria for compatible infill development of existing infrastructure, according to Bush.
(Photo: Escambia County Planning Board June 2 meeting)
"It will expand housing opportunities and other mixed-use opportunities," Bush said. "It is compatible with the existing surrounding development."
McCarty followed up, noting the "need and benefit have been met, and the conversion at the heart of this case from commercial to requested mixed-use urban would allow for more general uses."
McCarty said that while there are no development proposals yet, residential use is likely to be proposed.
Resident Renee Cunningham wanted more specifics.
(Photo: Resident Renee Cunningham at the Escambia County Planning Board meeting June 2)
"Our concern is just exactly what are they proposing, but as far as what we have talked to the people in the room, they haven't made any proposals at this point," Cunningham said.
Board member Walker Wilson confirmed, "As the applicant stated, there haven't been any plans provided."
"The county hasn't received any plans yet either," Wilson said. "When that process does occur, it will go to development review, where the owner of the property will submit an application for what they plan to develop there."
A public hearing would follow, according to Wilson, who noted that if there is a zoning change, the applicant would have to come back to the planning board for approval.
"You would be notified if that was happening," Wilson said.
A motion was made to approve the amendment based on staff findings.
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