Manatee County approved rezoning for a 683 acre Lennar Homes project with more than 2,000 homes, preserved wetlands and space for a potential fire station, amid public discussion of emergency services and housing affordability.
The Manatee County Planning Commission voted unanimously on November 14 to approve a rezoning request associated with a planned 683 acre development by Lennar Homes near Buckeye Road. The proposal outlines future construction of more than 2,000 single family homes along with 15,000 SF of public use facilities. According to project representatives, one potential use for the public facility space is a fire station intended to serve the surrounding area.
The development plan incorporates extensive environmental protection measures. Approximately 99 percent of existing wetlands on the property will be preserved, with a 30 foot buffer separating wetlands from construction areas. Project consultant Kayla Witkowski of Clearview Land Design stated during the meeting that the site is bordered by other residential developments and is classified as agricultural land at present. Witkowski noted that the land has historically been suitable for low density residential development and described the proposal as consistent with current land use conditions.
Fire Chief Stacy Bailey addressed the commission regarding the public facility component of the plan. Bailey described the area as having significant service needs and emphasized that a fire station at the proposed location is considered essential to emergency response planning. He indicated that the department is coordinating with Emergency Medical Services and the North River Fire District to expand service coverage in the region. Bailey referenced broader regional growth projections, noting that the area could eventually contain between twenty five and thirty thousand homes.
Public comment included support for the emergency services component of the plan, along with concerns about housing affordability. Resident Glen Gibellina stated that while he supports construction of a fire station, he believes Lennar Homes should incorporate housing options accessible to workers such as teachers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Gibellina encouraged the developer to consider affordability within the project’s design and stated that community needs should be reflected in the planning process.
Two commissioners expressed agreement with Gibellina’s comments regarding consideration of affordable housing, though they supported the rezoning request. The commission approved the proposal after discussion and indicated that the project would continue through subsequent stages of the county’s development review process.
The approval allows Lennar Homes to advance planning for residential construction, public facility placement and environmental preservation measures associated with the 683 acre site. No additional timelines were presented during the meeting.