The Stuart Town Council scheduled a joint public hearing with the Town Planning Commission for its Wednesday, July 17 meeting to consider rezoning a property on Commerce Street along with variances approved by the commission.
Town Manager Bryce Simmons said the proposed rezoning would change the property from heavy industrial to high-density residential.
“Each apartment building would be 12 units and three-floor apartment buildings, and there would be six apartment buildings constructed as part of this project. So, the final build-out would be 72 total apartments,” he said.
The property was bought by Singh Brothers Investments, LLC, earlier this year. It is located between Stuart Forest Products and EMI Imaging. The Mayo River Rail Trail goes through the property.
“We had a Planning Commission meeting (June 18), and from that meeting, there was a recommendation to council from the commission that they voted on. The commission approved three variances that were requested by the architect for the housing project on Commerce Street,” Simmons said.
The first variance was to allow a building height up to 45 feet instead of 35 feet.
“We actually do have that provision within the zoning code itself. The second was to allow coverage up to 55 percent instead of 40 percent, and the way that I looked at it, because part of the lot was within a right of way easement, they were not able to meet that zoning requirement outright, so the planning commission did take that into consideration and allow that variance to happen,” he said.
Another variance was to allow a minimum distance of 10 feet from the apartment building to the drive
“Basically, 10 feet from the edge of the building to the parking lot. Where we require 15 feet per the zoning code,” Simmons said, adding the second recommendation the commission recommended is for the council to go forward with the rezoning request contingent upon final approval of the construction documents and approval of the building permit, which also would be required.
Town Attorney Christopher Corbett said the zoning ordinance allows for variances “simply because it’s always anticipated that one size does not fit all, and there are times when exceptions are necessary and appropriate.”
In other matters, the council:
*Approved the May meeting minutes as amended.
*Paid the bills.
*Heard an update on public works.
*Heard an update regarding town policies.
*Discussed the Downtown Revitalization project.
*Discussed dilapidated buildings in town limits.
Councilmember Dave Hoback did not attend the meeting.
