The Ocala City Council is scheduled to review an ordinance during its upcoming meeting that would bring 592 new homes to the final undeveloped portion of a large subdivision in southwest Ocala.
The matter will have its first, introductory reading during the upcoming meeting of the Ocala City Council on Tuesday, April 21.
Known as Mockingbird Ridge, the development represents one of the final major undeveloped portions of the Heath Brook community, which was originally established in 1999.
The applicant, Mockingbird Ridge LLC, is seeking to rezone 283.55 acres located west of Interstate 75 and north of SW 66th Street from a planned unit development to a unified planned development. The property is bordered by established residential developments to the north, south, and west, with I-75 forming the eastern boundary.
Although the matter will be presented to the council for a first reading and introduction into the record next week, a second reading and final vote is not anticipated until the council’s first meeting in May.
The proposed development plan calls for 592 single-family residential units on lots with a minimum width of 50 feet. If approved, the community would have an overall density of approximately 2.1 dwelling units per acre across the site.
While the subject properties currently have a low intensity future land use designation, which typically requires a minimum of three units per acre, city staff noted that the project is consistent with the previously approved Heath Brook master plan, which is vested under city code.
Because the project is part of a larger mixed-use development that incorporates various commercial and non-residential components, the developer is requesting a variation to the city’s standard open space requirements.
While single-use residential developments typically require 40 percent open space, Mockingbird Ridge is proposing to maintain 25 percent, or approximately 70.59 acres, which would be reserved for amenities and dedicated to residents.
Traffic and access for the new neighborhood will be centered around SW 40th Avenue, which will eventually bisect the development and provide a connection to SW 66th Street. An additional access point is planned along Tartan Road.
Municipal utilities are already available at the location, and planning staff has recommended approval with conditions, including that the city provide all sanitation services.
The project has previously faced opposition from local residents who cited concerns regarding the destruction of wildlife habitats, increased traffic at nearby intersections, and potential nitrogen runoff into the Floridan Aquifer.
Earlier this year, several residents voiced their opposition to the project in letters to the county government.
In March, the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission voted six to zero to recommend approval of the project.
The Ocala City Council will meet at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue) to begin the formal review process for the development.
What are your thoughts on the Mockingbird Ridge proposal and the continued growth of the Heath Brook area? Share your comments below.