EXPLANATION OF REQUEST: The subject property covers most of the land within Riverwalk Plaza shopping center, which contains Wendy’s restaurant, Wells Fargo bank, a multitenant building with Walgreens and Joann’s Fabrics, Prime Catch restaurant and a large vacant “big box” formerly occupied by Winn Dixie. The proposed future land use map amendment and rezoning includes a master plan for a mixed use project with 326 apartments, 51,220 square feet of commercial space, public waterfront promenade and related site improvements on 9.78 acres. The project area includes the Wendy's Restaurant and the multitenant building but excludes the properties occupied by the Wells Fargo Bank and Prime Catch Restaurant. This is the first project to include a request for the MU-4 Zoning District, which is being established pursuant to a recommendation from the newly adopted Community Redevelopment Plan. Staff supports this request as justified by the analysis included in the accompanying application.
The subject request is being processed concurrently with corresponding applications for Rezoning and Major site Plan Modification, Height Exception, and Community Design Plan Appeal.
The Planning & Development Board reviewed this request at their December 27th meeting and forwards it with a recommendation for approval.