The Venice City Council meeting on May 27, 2025, focused on a proposed future land use map amendment for a project located at the northeast corner of Auburn and Border Roads. The applicant, KB Home Tampa LLC, represented by Morris Engineering and Consulting, seeks to change the land use designation from low density residential to moderate density residential for a 10.73-acre parcel. This change would allow for the development of a 70-unit single-family attached housing project.

The proposal was previously reviewed by the Planning Commission on April 15, where it was denied by a vote of 7-0. During the council meeting, city staff presented an analysis of the project, highlighting its consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. The proposed moderate density residential designation would permit between 5.1 and 9 units per acre, while the current low density designation allows for up to 5 units per acre.

The project is situated near existing developments, including Casada Oaks to the south and Waterford to the west, both of which have lower density designations. The applicant emphasized that the proposed development would include enhanced buffering and a sound wall along Interstate 75 to mitigate noise for future residents and neighboring properties.

City officials discussed the compatibility of the proposed project with surrounding land uses, noting that the moderate density designation aligns with the city’s strategies for promoting diverse housing options. The applicant also committed to limiting the total number of units to 70, which is intended to address community concerns about density.

The council members engaged in discussions regarding the potential impacts of the project, including traffic and environmental considerations. The meeting concluded with a call for further questions from council members, indicating that the decision on the future land use amendment would be made in the coming weeks. The outcome of this proposal could significantly influence housing options in the Pine Brook neighborhood and surrounding areas.