Proposed 18.25-acre commercial project in Winter Garden receives initial approval

WINTER GARDEN – Winter Garden city leaders approved unanimously the first reading of a rezoning request that would pave the way for an 18.25-acre commercial development.

Winter Garden Commissioner Mark Maciel recused himself from voting because he is involved in the project and stands to gain from its final approval.

The commission granted its approval of Ordinance 18-09 during the Feb. 8 meeting, allowing the zoning classification for the property to be changed from Arterial Commercial District (C-2) to Planned Commercial Development (PCD).

With this zoning classification, the property owner may develop the site with restaurants, retail, commercial and office use.

There are 84,500 square feet of commercial/retail space available on the site, which is located at 14120 W. Colonial Drive. Sharon Williams, a principal partner at the Exchange Place Inc., said the project requires one last approval.

Williams added the project is expected to break ground in March, and construction is estimated to take roughly a year. The second reading and public hearing for this project are scheduled for Feb. 22.

DOWNTOWN PROPERTIES REZONED

At the Feb. 8 meeting, commissioners also approved the first readings of two ordinances pertaining to property near the downtown Winter Garden area.

Ordinance 17-22 proposed a rezoning of 1.25 acres of property located at 304, 310 and 314 W. Bay St., as well as 419, 429, 439, and 455 W. Plant St., from Residential District (R-2) and Central Commercial District (C-1) to Planned Commercial Development (PCD).

Ordinance 17-23 requested changes in the future land-use designation of 1.01 acres of property located at 304, 310 and 314 W. Bay St., 439, and 455 W. Plant St. from Low-Density Residential to Traditional Downtown.

Currently, the properties are a mixture of vacant land and single-family homes. The second reading is scheduled for Feb. 22.