In a recent government meeting, planners discussed a significant proposal to rezone a 19.33-acre site in Royal Palm from mobile home to residential plan development, aiming to construct 391 multifamily dwelling units. The project, which includes 136 site-built units with private amenities, is designed to address the growing housing demand in the area.

Beth Workman, a principal planner, presented the case, highlighting the need for the rezoning to accommodate increased density in line with the upcoming comprehensive plan changes effective September 2024. The new plan will shift the land use designation from central urban to intensive development, allowing for a maximum of 22 dwelling units per acre.

The proposal includes three requested deviations: one concerning the natural waterway buffer, another for amenity parking, and a third related to open space calculations. Workman emphasized the importance of maintaining a buffer zone to mitigate potential negative impacts on the surrounding community, particularly regarding visibility and noise from parking areas.

The site, previously a mobile home community established in 1982, has faced challenges due to its location in a coastal high hazard area. However, the development plan includes provisions for adequate public facilities, including access to sewer, water, and emergency services. The local school board has indicated that while there may be capacity issues in specific school choice zones, overall capacity exists to accommodate new families.

The meeting underscored the importance of balancing development with community concerns, particularly regarding environmental impacts and infrastructure capacity. As the proposal moves forward, further discussions and evaluations will be necessary to ensure that the project aligns with the community's needs and regulatory requirements.