Oakland approves annexation, zoning for Colonial property

Despite opposition from some residents, the Oakland Town Commission passed the first reading of a 7.4-acre piece of land into the town and assigned it a zoning designation at the Aug. 11 meeting.

The parcel is west of Fourth Street at 16610 W. Colonial Drive, but the property mainly is located south of a Florida Department of Transportation water retention area.

The applicant, Cra-Mar Groves, has requested voluntary annexation into the town limit with the intention of building a mini warehouse and vehicle storage. The property is in unincorporated Orange County and zoned for agricultural and residential uses. In the town, it would be zoned industrial, which has angered residents living near the property.

Homeowners said they bought their houses for the quiet, small-town atmosphere and already have been subjected to the widening of the Florida’s Turnpike near their backyards. They stated concerns about traffic, noise and aesthetics.

Matt Cope, representing Cra-Mar Groves, said the storage facility has a climate-controlled interior and there will be minimal exterior noise.

Town Planner Jay Marder said the building must meet the design standards as set forth in the town’s design overlay guidelines, which addresses elements such as the façade, roof line and landscaping.

“These U-Haul kind of metal buildings with very little improvement — that’s not something that’s going to be done here,” he said. “You couldn’t do that in the town of Oakland. There are too many added pieces … and it’s not going to be something off some tin mobile home shed off the road. It’s substantial, it’s not onerous, but it’s significant.”

Mayor Kathy Stark said the commission doesn’t not make decisions lightly when considering land use.

“When we consider things, we consider what is right in the right places, and I do know you folks live in a place that 20 years ago made sense to be residential,” Stark said. “It might not make sense today. We don’t think about it in terms of money, we think about it in terms of is this the right thing to do with this piece of property. … Highway 50 is a commercial corridor.”

Commissioner Sal Ramos told residents a gas station or restaurant would create more traffic than this business will.

The commission also approved the land-use plan map amendment for the property.

The second reading and public hearing of the ordinances will take place Sept. 9.

“I know that change is hard and growth is not what you may want. but we want you to know that this is not something that is ill-considered,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. “It’s been a long time that we’ve worked on this, and we really want the town to retain its character.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The commission approved a memorandum of understanding between the town and OAFL LLC, whose tenant is Tractor Supply Company. The supply store wants to build along the South Starr Street Extension on a 10-acre parcel. It would include an 18,800-square-foot building, 15,000-square-foot fenced outdoor display area, and 3,000 square feet designated for trailer and equipment display.

“This essentially memorializes what we’re doing,” Stark said. “They’re going to build Starr Street, and there are some things we want to add some things to it once it’s a full-blown road to Oakland Avenue. Sidewalks, parking, they’ve given us some right-of-way for a future extension of Sadler.

• Auditor Mike Brynjulfson presented his audit findings for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2019. Last year there were seven findings; this year there are four: Utility billing reconciliations, internal control over financial report, restricted cash monitoring and internal control over new construction and development-related transaction.

His summary: “In the past I was really concerned about the financial condition of the town. … I’m glad to say you’re going to be seeing a turnaround.”

• Elisha Pappacoda, administrative services manager, shared the town’s updated social media policies.

“I had spent some time thinking and saying that this would really help citizens understand what we’re trying to do and what we’re doing,” Stark said. “And I think it has, and I’m very pleased.”

• Commissioners approved an ordinance that restricts construction in the town. Construction is limited to the time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays.