The gripping saga between Walden Lake LLC, whose four year-long attempt to develop the former golf course property they own in the Walden Lake community has met fierce resistance from residents living in that community, isn’t over.
On Friday, the developer filed plans for a multifamily development on approximately 319.26 acres within the Walden Lake community that includes 1,530 multifamily units and 468 townhome-style multifamily units, comprised of one- and two-bedrooms+ units up to three stories high.
According to a news release, the plans, which address the issue of limited housing choices for middle-income Floridians, a demographic often overlooked amid the luxury multifamily housing boom, are in compliance with Florida’s recently-enacted Live Local Act (Ch. 2023-17, Laws of Fla., codified at §166.04151, Florida Statutes). Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in March, the Act, which took effect July 1, is a comprehensive statewide workforce housing strategy aimed at empowering Florida families by enhancing their access to affordable housing options within the communities they serve. Projects that qualify for the Live Local Act are not subject to a municipality’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations and can be approved administratively. Local governments must approve, approve with conditions or deny applications within 120 days following receipt of the completed application.
“The Walden Lake property qualifies for administrative approval under the Live Local Act because the existing planned development zoning for the property allows a for-profit golf course and other commercial activities,” said Jacob T. Cremer, Esq., shareholder at Stearns Weaver Miller, referring to Florida legislation that allows housing to be built on commercial land. “This is a visionary project that supports the state’s efforts to provide more attainable housing for Floridians.”
The project will appeal to a broad range of incomes, with 40 percent of the units available to those making up to 120 percent of the area median income, following state income guidelines. The majority of the units will be available at market rate.
“We look forward to working closely with the City’s Planning and Zoning staff again to move Walden Lake forward together and provide much-needed housing options in Plant City,” added Cremer.