A significant development project is underway in the Oak Bridal area, involving a major Planned Unit Development (PUD) modification to accommodate a large medical facility. The proposed project includes a 400-bed hospital spanning 700,000 square feet, alongside 200,000 square feet dedicated to medical office space, 204,000 square feet for retail commercial use, and 250 multifamily dwelling units.

The site, which is part of the Oak Ridge Development of Regional Impact (DRI), already has substantial entitlements primarily for retail and residential purposes. The modification aims to shift the focus from retail to medical office and hospital uses, reflecting a broader trend in community health infrastructure.

Traffic implications were a key topic during the meeting, with officials noting that daily trip rates and peak hour trip rates would remain consistent with existing entitlements. However, the anticipated peak hour trip rates for the new development are expected to be significantly higher. To address these concerns, a comprehensive traffic study is being coordinated with the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) and Polk County.

The layout plan features two medical towers and a medical office building clustered in the northwest corner of the property, with considerations for proximity to the airport, including potential impacts from a helipad. Initial coordination with airport authorities has indicated no major concerns regarding the proposed height of the buildings.

The development will also include an interconnected street system designed to improve traffic distribution, particularly for employees from nearby businesses such as Lockheed Martin. This is intended to alleviate congestion on existing routes, ensuring smoother access to the new medical facilities.

While the hospital is not expected to be built immediately, plans include a freestanding emergency room as part of the initial phase. The overall project is designed to integrate with existing office uses in the area, with a maximum building height of 135 feet for the hospital and 60 feet for medical office buildings.

The meeting also highlighted changes to the development order process, which has been streamlined in recent years, allowing for quicker approvals. The project will undergo further review to ensure compliance with local land development codes, including parking, landscaping, and buffering requirements.

As the project progresses, stakeholders will continue to engage with city officials, DOT, and the county to ensure that the development meets community needs while adhering to regulatory standards.