Landowner Walden Lake LLC has filed a Complaint for Declaratory Relief against the City of Plant City in response to the City’s refusal to consider a preliminary plat submitted on Sept. 27.
The proposed development on Walden Lake, LLC’s 319.26-acre property located In the 2,800-acre Walden Lake community includes the construction of 1,530 multifamily units and 468 townhome-style multifamily units, aligning with the goals of the Live Local Act, enacted by the Florida Legislature on March 30 to address the critical housing crisis worsened by escalating home prices and rents throughout Florida.
Walden Lake LLC filed the complaint on Nov. 28 in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida and contends that the City’s interpretation of the Live Local Act “is flawed, emphasizing that it prioritizes procedural formalities over substantive solutions, hindering legislative efforts to alleviate the housing crisis.”
The Live Local Act mandates local governments to approve multifamily residential projects administratively if at least forty percent of the housing units are affordable.
A letter from the City’s Zoning Department to Jacob Cremer, Esq., shareholder at Stearns Weaver Miller and attorney for Walden Lake, LLC, stated the subject property wasn’t located completely in any area zoned for mixed-use, commercial or industrial, one of Live Local Act’s requirements, among other issues.
“We are disappointed that the City was intimidated by the pressure of a vocal minority of neighbors who are against providing essential affordable housing solutions for law enforcement, military, first responders, educators, nurses, and healthcare professionals who desire an opportunity to live within the communities they serve,” said Cremer. “The landowner’s application fully complies with the Live Local Act. The Act states that any area zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use is eligible. The Property qualifies for administrative approval because it is an area zoned for a golf course. Under Florida law, that is a commercial use. The City disagreed with this, and we are at an impasse, so we have asked a judge to give us all direction on what the Live Local Act allows.”
Cremer is confident that the courts will clarify the legal rights and obligations of both parties and affirm the landowner’s right to develop its property. The City Attorney has no comment as he reviews the legal documents.
A hearing date has not been scheduled.