County approves rezoning of 55-and-older rental community near Wellington

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved the rezoning of a 29-acre property on the north side of County Line Road, just east of Farnsworth Road, to allow for the construction of a community rental for residents aged 55 and over.

The original Combined Planning Development Project (CPDP) is now a Zoned Planned Development (Multi-Family) Project (PDP(MF)). Plans for Rialto Apartments Limited include 220 single-storey units, leisure facilities and a clubhouse.

Access to the main boulevard will be from County Line Road, and a secondary entrance will connect to an extension of Quality Drive on the northeast corner of the property.

The property is adjacent to the Verano development to the east and will be connected to Verano via a controlled access gate to alleviate traffic on the County Line from Verano residents. The entrance to Quality Drive will also be closed.

According to Don Lacey of Coastal Engineering, a traffic study should be conducted and, in coordination with County Engineering, modifications could be made to the Rialto access points.

Commissioner John Allocco highlighted the need for the retirement community: “This type of housing is desperately needed in our county, rentals for those 55 and older. » He added that the Wellington subdivision to the north supports development. Allocco also added that the community will be appreciated by many people affected by recent homeowners insurance hikes if they have to downsize.

Commissioner Steve Champion praised Coastal Engineering for its successful collaboration with Wellington residents, which saw very little opposition from the community. “You've done a great job communicating with them because they're not here in force. That says something.

Wellington resident Stuart Pratt said: “I guess I represent all of Wellington today… We are very happy to be able to work with Coastal [Engineering] and the [Planning and Zoning] Tip… I can't say I won't miss looking at the trees and animals, but it's probably one of the best uses of this property.

Pratt is concerned about traffic on County Line Road. “The traffic there is incredible now, and it’s just going to increase.” Coastal Engineering President Cliff Manuel explained that allowing access to Verano residents will allow them to use the Quality Drive entrance, easing traffic from the two developments on County Line Road.

Scott Herring told the board there are no immediate plans for a traffic light at Farnsworth and County Line, but added, “I can tell you, looking at the overall maps, that Farnsworth is the most likely candidate for being a signalized intersection. »

Commissioner Brian Hawkins asked County Administrator Jeff Rogers if Farnsworth's signal could be funded if the county's sales tax referendum passed in November. Rogers responded in the affirmative and added: “If it had succeeded last time, you would have a signal under construction.” »