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 Sept. 29, the developer filed plans for a multifamily development on approximately 319.26 acres within the Walden Lake community that will feature 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. The new law makes it easier for affordable housing projects to get approved quickly without going through a long public hearing process to change a property’s zoning (no more 12 hour planning board meetings). It allows for affordable housing to be built in areas that are currently zoned for commercial or industrial use. Walden Lake as a whole is a Community Unit District with the property in question listed as a golf course. Projects that qualify for the Live Local Act can be approved administratively and local governments cannot force the developer to change the zoning, get special approval or change the overall plan. 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.
For longtime Walden Lake resident Patti Campbell, who has lived in the community for 34 years, even though she doesn’t live in an area directly affected by the proposed development other than increased traffic, vehemently opposes the latest proposed plan. “I find it disrespectful of them (Walden Lake LLC) to continue to try and squeak by with development plans that don’t comply with the City of Plant City’s Comprehensive Plan in any way, shape or form,” she said. “Trying to pull a fast one by using the Live Local Act and making it seem like it applies in this situation is something I’d never support. The clock is ticking and I’m praying that the City of Plant City will deny this plan before the 120 days is up.”
It’s now a waiting game.
Commissioner Bill McDaniel confirmed receipt of the new plans. “We have received the preliminary plat for the proposed Walden Lake development and our staff are reviewing it in light of the Live Local Act,” he said.
Planning and Zoning Manager Julie Ham said her staff is currently reviewing the submittal. “Right now we don’t know how it qualifies for the Live Local Act, we’re making that determination,” she said.
The clock is ticking and Walden Lake LLC is committed to seeing the project through. “My client’s invested in the community and we’re here to stay,” said Kremer.