Eagle Trace residents say flood risk should be considered for SR 64 proposal

A mixed-use development proposed for approximately 20 acres off State Road 64 has some Eagle Trace residents worried it will cause additional flooding in the area.

“It’s a big concern for our community,” Eagle Trace resident Patty McHugh said. “We had flooding on State Road 64 (during Hurricane Debby), and that’s where the development is going to be.”

The proposal is for up to 300 multi-family units on 15.5 acres with 50,000 square feet of commercial space on 4.7 acres fronting State Road 64 between 117th Street East and Pope Road.

Penler, the Atlanta-based real estate investment firm behind the proposal, is not new to the area. Penler bought Tradition in Palm Aire for $48.11 million in 2020, completed a $5 million renovation and sold it in 2022 to RangeWater Real Estate. 

The Planning Commission recommended approving Penler’s proposal in a 5-0 vote, “subject to the applicant proffering two additional stipulations regarding stormwater design and the setbacks of the three- and four-story buildings.” 

The setbacks are to be 125-feet on the western and southern boundaries of the property, where it borders Eagle Trace. Penler also agreed to use the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in its stormwater calculations. 

“I understand the precedent we’re trying to set (with stormwater design), and I realize it’s kind of happening before our eyes,” said Connor McAdams, vice president of development for Penler. “We’re putting thought into it, and we’re more than happy to accommodate to a new standard that’s over and above what is probably going on today.” 

But to allow for Penler’s requested density, the commission will have to agree to rezone the property from Agriculture to Planned Development Mixed Use, and change the Future Land Use Map from Urban Fringe 3 to Retail/Office/Residential. 

“This development is a little over the top for what we have where we are,” Eagle Trace resident Deborah George said. “The intensity is far too much.

To compromise on the commercial side with residents, Penlar added a carwash, gas station, hotel/motel and medical marijuana dispensary to the list of “restricted uses.” Some of the “permitted uses” are medical offices, a bank, a strip shopping center and a restaurant, including a drive-thru.

While residents found the intensity of an ROR future land use category too much, Planning Commission members Richard Bedford and Cindy Kebba voted in favor of the changes because they allow for commercial uses instead of solely adding more residential units to the area.

“Commercial on State Road 64 totally makes sense,” Kebba said.

The project narrative submitted to the county in June offers a glimpse into possible commercial uses if Penler’s requests are approved. 

“(Casto out of Lakewood Ranch) was contacted to try to determine what kind of end users will be attracted to the site. They are forecasting a substantial amount of interest given the parcels' great frontage along State Road 64 on the “PM” side of the road for various fast casual restaurants, quick service restaurants and free-standing retail services buildings.” 

The commission will either approve or deny Penler's requests at the Oct. 3 land use meeting.