Oakland approves West Colonial project

A 16-acre multi-use property at Orange Avenue and West Colonial Drive — which will include homes, a senior-living facility, retail and restaurants — is a step closer to reality following the Oakland Town Commission’s vote Nov. 10.

The Oakland Town Commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan’s future land-use map from Orange County Rural to Oakland Mixed Use Activity Center and the rezoning from single-family residential to Planned Unit Development.

This site, located at the intersection’s southeast corner, has had its share of controversies through the years, but Oakland Capital Group LLC representatives say town officials and residents will be happy with the proposed project, dubbed Johns Lake Point. The proposal calls for eight single-family homes, a 195-bed senior living facility (with a combination of assisted and independent living), a 6,000-square-foot sit-down restaurant, a 3,500-square-foot fast-food restaurant with no drive-thru windows, 20,000 square feet of retail space and a 5,000-square-foot walk-in bank.

The homes would be built along the north shore of Johns Lake on a cul de sac with no connection to Orange Avenue. There would, however, be police and fire access.

The commercial properties would front West Colonial.

The town will require multiple traffic-related improvements. This includes upgrading Orange Avenue to town standards, providing a directional access driveway at Orange and extending the existing turn lanes on Colonial. The developer also must pay $50,000 to the town for bicycle and pedestrian enhancements across Colonial.

One issue is the Florida Department of Transportation bridge on Colonial just west of Orange, which hinders the construction of an east-bound right turn lane onto Orange. A main entrance would be established further east off Colonial.

According to Oakland Capital Group, the wall currently standing along the highway will be demolished and the land will be graded considerably to accommodate a turn lane.

The applicant assured the commission that Deer Island residents — who have voiced their opposition to large development on the land west of their community — would not be able to see anything beyond the eight homes.

The commission expressed its concern about the senior-living facility and asked for further details and the intended assisted- and independent- living percentages to be provided to the town.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The Town Commission approved a request to vacate a portion of a 3.5-foot utility easement along the southern property line of Lot 32 in Pulte Homes’ Longleaf at Oakland. The vacation was needed to carry out design elements for the home being constructed on the property. Commissioner Sal Ramos recused himself from the vote because of a conflict of interest.

• Commissioner Joseph McMullen announced he was named president of the Tri-County League of Cities. His term begins in January.

• Town Manager Steve Koontz said the town is lowering the speed limit on Machete Trail from 25 to 20 mph and putting up wildlife signs after several gopher tortoises were struck while crossing the road.

“We want it slower than the turtle,” Commissioner Sal Ramos quipped.

• Koontz reminded commissioners that the traffic light, which is located in the city limits of Winter Garden, was set to be turned on last Wednesday.