Ocala City Council approves 260-unit apartment complex on 14 acres in southeast Ocala
A 4-1 vote by city of Ocala officials on Tuesday paves the way for the construction of an apartment complex in southeast Ocala.
Local lawyer Fred Roberts, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, told a Star-Banner reporter at the conclusion of the discussion that engineers will begin working on a design and site plan. Conservatively, Roberts estimates construction won't begin for six months to a year.
An informational packet provided by the city about the plans indicates that the apartments will be built on a currently wooded 14-acre property located at the northwest corner of Southeast 24th Road and 31st Street.
Making the pitch to the city on behalf of the applicant was Impact Development Partners LLC, an Atlanta-based developer.
Records show the property owner is 31st Street LLC, which is managed by Brad Dinkins and Tracy Rains. The land was purchased by the corporation in 2005 for $1.83 million from Ocala-based Calamar Properties LC, according to a deed on file with the court clerk.
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According to the city's agenda packet, the land in question had been annexed into the city in 1973 and was approved as a PUD, or planned unit development. The document mentions the PUD has been expired for more than 25 years. Though documents state that the property "was shown as residential on the original PUD, however no specific development standards were approved as it relates to design criteria."
At the meeting, council members were told that plans call for a 260-unit apartment complex with a density of 18 units per-acre for the site. The structures would be three- and four-stories high with walking trails.
The area is surrounded by single-family and multi-family buildings, along with assisted living facilities.
City officials were told that there have been neighborhood meetings about the project and staff has approved the measure, according to Roberts and supplied documents.
The issue was supposed to be presented in October, but was withdrawn from consideration. Last month, the item was pulled from the agenda. The delay was due to ongoing discussions about several issues, one of them being traffic.
Roberts told the board that the owners are committed to providing a place that's compatible to the community.
Several residents spoke out against the project. Complaints included traffic congestion, overcrowding, the building not a benefit to the community, and impacts to property values.
Roberts said the city and the community would receive additional tax revenues and that the traffic impact would be minimal.
City Council member Jim Hilty told Roberts there's "too much going on" between the city and the county. Hilty made reference to multiple developments either in the pipeline or having already started in and around the location where the apartment complex is slated to be constructed.
Hilty said traffic will be a problem.
The councilman was the lone vote against the project. Council President Barry Mansfield, Pro-Tem Kristen Dreyer and council members Ire Bethea and Jay Musleh voted to approve the project.
Former Mayor Kent Guinn honored
In other city news, former Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn was presented with gifts and praised for his time in office and service to the city. He received a standing ovation from those present at the meeting.
One of the gifts given to Guinn was the key to the city by present Mayor Ben Marciano.
Guinn, who was unable to attend a previous meeting earlier this month, told the audience he enjoyed his 24 years — 12 as mayor and 12 as a council member — serving the people of Ocala. Collectively, Guinn said they did a good job taking care of the city and solving problems.
"This job is not about us, but the people," Guinn said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
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This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala City Council approve apartment complex in southeast Ocala
