Two duplex units were proposed for the site, but commissioners denied the proposed rezone after residents spoke out.
For now, Roseland Park residents can breathe a sigh of relief.
At the City Commission meeting Monday, April 25, Commissioners unanimously voted against the proposed rezoning of a lot located at 1510 James L. Redman Parkway. Rezone applicant Trace Hall wanted to build two duplex units on the site, located south of East Roseland Avenue.
The rezone would have changed the lot from the existing R-1A Single Family Dwelling District to R-2 Multiple-Family Dwelling District.
Hall had previously stated one driveway would be added to the site, and the two duplexes would both be one-story units with two bedrooms and one bathroom per unit.
The denial was met by the cheers of residents who opposed the rezoning.
Prior to the April 25 meeting, the City of Plant City’s Planning Board had approved the rezone on March 17. At that time, Planning Board Chair Bonnie Carr was the only board member to oppose the rezone.
Hall’s proposal at the Planning Board meeting was also met with opposition from Roseland Park residents. Many had lived in the area for decades and were concerned about the historical contrast between the subdivision and the proposed duplex.
“This directly affects some residents, but indirectly affects us all,” resident Christopher Chase said.
Chase was one of about a half dozen residents who also spoke to the City Commission Monday.
“I object the rezoning,” Chase said. “We have been to court three times, and the court has ruled in our favor all three times.”
“Roseland Park is a beautiful neighborhood. Changing the rezoning doesn’t fit. It’s unfair to citizens that have spent their lives there to have us change the zoning that would change the character of the community.”
–Mayor Rick Lott
Former Plant City mayor Terry Ballard also voiced his opposition.
“I’ve lived there since 1974,” Ballard said. “It’s an old subdivision. Everything out there is single-family (zoned).”
After closing public comments, the City Commission voted to deny the rezone. “Roseland Park is a beautiful neighborhood,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “Changing the rezoning doesn’t fit. It’s unfair to citizens that have spent their lives there to have us change the zoning that would change the character of the community.”
Principal Planner Phillip Scearce said that it is now up to Hall to determine what he wants to do with the site.
“From the smallest ones to the largest ones, rezonings are never guaranteed,” Scearce said. “We’ve had things get denied before where staff has recommended approval.”
Scearce added that the residents of Roseland Park have been vocal about wanting to maintain the character of their neighborhood.
“That property is large enough to build two single-family lots,” Scearce said.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
