Plant City: Plant City Meeting
Summary. The Plant City Commission held its final meeting of 2020, beginning with an investiture ceremony for new Police Chief James Bradford, who was sworn in by City Clerk Kayla and officially presented to the community. Chief Bradford, a 31-year veteran of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, was selected from 76 applicants through a thorough vetting process and received unanimous support from the commission and city leadership. The meeting's primary focus was on public hearings for a major residential and commercial development project (referred to as both Viera and Breyer in the transcripts), spanning approximately 1,008-1,800 acres. The application involved both a comprehensive plan amendment (PCCPA 20-003) to expand mixed-use designations and a conceptual modification to change from a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) to a regular Planned Development (PD). The developer sought to eliminate the rear-loaded garage requirement and modify the development pattern while maintaining the approved entitlements of 2,640 residential units and 395,000 square feet of commercial space. After extensive public comment revealing concerns about traffic, infrastructure, environmental impact, flooding, and maintaining rural character, the commission ultimately approved both the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning by votes of 4-1, with Commissioner Dodson dissenting based on quality over quantity concerns. The meeting concluded with approval of several ordinances including an economic development tax exemption program extension and a school board shared development agreement, before adjourning at approximately 10:50 PM.
Agenda Items
Opening. Meeting Opening and Prayer
Meeting called to order with prayer by Pastor Randall Johnson from Eastside Baptist Church and pledge of allegiance
- Recognition of guests including Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross and retiring Police Chief Ed Duncan
- Acknowledgment of community leaders and NAACP president Yvette Lewis
Public Comment. Public Comment Period
No public speakers present, one electronic submission received
- No verbal public comments received
Investiture Ceremony. Police Chief James Bradford Investiture
Formal swearing-in ceremony for new Police Chief James Bradford
- Selection from 76 applications through thorough vetting process
- Chief Bradford's 31-year career with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Family support and community welcome
- Commission members' congratulatory remarks
7A. Development Comprehensive Plan Amendment (PCCPA 20-003)
Public hearing on amendment to comprehensive plan future land use map for major development project
- Request to change 89 acres to mixed-use residential commercial designation
- Expansion from existing 33.7 acres of mixed-use area
- No increase in overall development entitlements
- Staff and planning commission recommend approval
7B. Development Plan Development District Modification
Quasi-judicial hearing on conceptual modifications to change from Traditional Neighborhood Development to regular Planned Development
- Change from Traditional Neighborhood Development to regular PD
- Elimination of rear-loaded garages and alley system
- Commitment to 50% open space and architectural standards
- Restrictions on 40-foot lot distribution and commercial access
- Enhanced buffering for neighboring properties
- Residents expressed flooding concerns along Hitchapcoochee Creek
- Opposition to school placement on Charlie Taylor Road affecting horse boarding business
- Water management and stormwater permitting requirements
- Developer concessions including increased buffers and open space
7C. School Board Shared Development Agreement
Agreement to reserve school capacity and collect payments
- School board capacity reservation
- City's role in collecting fees
8A. Economic Development Tax Exemption Program
Extension of ad valorem tax exemption program for new businesses
- Increased wage thresholds for manufacturing
- Easier requirements for office development
Motions & Votes
Move to approve consent agenda
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve comprehensive plan amendment for development project
Moved by Commissioner Sparkman, seconded by Commissioner Mathis
Passed 4-1
Motion to approve rezoning for development project from TND to PD
Moved by Commissioner Sparkman, seconded by Commissioner Mathis
Passed 4-1
Motion to approve school board shared development agreement
Moved by Not specified, seconded by Not specified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve economic development tax exemption ordinance
Moved by Commissioner Mathis, seconded by Commissioner Sparkman
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Continue work on CARES Act building renovations
Assigned to City staff · Due December 30, 2020
Work with school board to relocate school site within development if possible
Assigned to Development team and city staff
Coordinate meetings with agencies to address flooding issues
Assigned to Developer and city staff
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Plant City Commission held its final meeting of 2020, beginning with an investiture ceremony for new Police Chief James Bradford, who was sworn in by City Clerk Kayla and officially presented to the community. Chief Bradford, a 31-year veteran of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, was selected from 76 applicants through a thorough vetting process and received unanimous support from the commission and city leadership. The meeting's primary focus was on public hearings for a major residential and commercial development project (referred to as both Viera and Breyer in the transcripts), spanning approximately 1,008-1,800 acres. The application involved both a comprehensive plan amendment (PCCPA 20-003) to expand mixed-use designations and a conceptual modification to change from a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) to a regular Planned Development (PD). The developer sought to eliminate the rear-loaded garage requirement and modify the development pattern while maintaining the approved entitlements of 2,640 residential units and 395,000 square feet of commercial space. After extensive public comment revealing concerns about traffic, infrastructure, environmental impact, flooding, and maintaining rural character, the commission ultimately approved both the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning by votes of 4-1, with Commissioner Dodson dissenting based on quality over quantity concerns. The meeting concluded with approval of several ordinances including an economic development tax exemption program extension and a school board shared development agreement, before adjourning at approximately 10:50 PM.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 7 agenda items: Meeting Opening and Prayer; Public Comment Period; Police Chief James Bradford Investiture; Development Comprehensive Plan Amendment (PCCPA 20-003); Development Plan Development District Modification; School Board Shared Development Agreement; Economic Development Tax Exemption Program.
How many motions were voted on?
5 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
3 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
13 members were recorded as present: Eric Lott (Mayor), Mayor Rhoden, Commissioner Sparkman, Commissioner Dawson, Commissioner Matthews, Commissioner Dodson, Commissioner Mathis, Commissioner Kilgore, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk Kayla, Police Chief James Bradford, Police Chief Ed Duncan (retiring).
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Plant City in?
Plant City is located in Hillsborough County, Florida. Browse other Hillsborough County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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