Apartments in front of On Top of the World? Residents object, but the plan is progressing
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday voted 5-2 to recommend approval of On Top of the World's request to rezone 22.63 acres from Community Business (B-2) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) so that a multifamily development can be built.
County staff also had recommended approval of the request. The matter now goes to the Marion County Commission, which will have the final say.
The land in question, near 8441 SW 99th Street Road, is not part of On Top of the World. The property, currently vacant, sits between the huge retirement community and busy State Road 200, near the new TownPlace Suites by Marriott hotel. A line of trees stands between the land and On Top of the World homes.
But that buffer wasn't much comfort to the hundreds of On Top of the World residents, many dressed in blue, who packed the County Commission auditorium for Monday night's P&Z meeting. They voiced strong opposition to the plan, which calls for 312 residential units in 13 two-story buildings.
The residents expressed concerns about safety (kids on skateboards and bikes), security (kids stealing packages and worse,) increased traffic (the area already is crowded and difficult to navigate) and excessive noise. Most of all, they cited the general incompatibility of an apartment complex full of renters backing up to a 55-and-older community full of people who own their own homes.
Bill Ashton and his wife moved here a year ago. They chose On Top of the World because it was a vibrant 55+ community with lots to offer. He told the Planning & Zoning Commission that he worries about a potential crime increase if the apartments are built as proposed.
"We have security, as in the gate," he said. But that only works for cars, not golf carts, bikes or pedestrians, he noted.
Other speakers said kids living in the apartments will wander into On Top of the World, possibly causing trouble and even committing crimes.
Joanne Lee and her husband bought in On Top of the World two years ago. She told commission members that OTOW residents aren't against progress. The problem here is placement. "This (apartment complex) is being put up against an over-55 community," Lee said.
Janis Kellogg told the commission that assisted living or medical offices would be better uses for that land. She also said the proposed apartments run counter to OTOW's stated purpose of honoring and serving its residents.
The developer emphasized that this is a market rate project, with no governmental funding. A studio apartment likely will go for $1,300 to $1,400 per month, while rent for a three-bedroom apartment will be $1,800 to $1,900. The complex will feature a pool, clubhouse, playground and other amenities.
The developer's representative noted that the people living in these apartments would be nurses, caretakers, pool cleaning company owners — basically, the kind of people who serve the people who live in On Top of the World. Ownership status and age should not be considered negative factors.
As for compatibility: An On Top of the World representative noted that the developer believes in this project so strongly that it is willing to site the apartment buildings right next to its new home sales center. He said that decision should speak volumes.
The commission members who opposed the plan cited the lack of infrastructure, including roads and schools, to support such development. But commission Chairman Greg Lord noted that development of that land is inevitable — and OTOW had legal right to develop it in a way that would have an even greater intensity.
jross@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: On Top of the World apartment plan takes an important step forward
