OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended zoning changes for the development called Martingale, which is set for a 43.62-acre site at the southeast corner of N. U.S. Hwy. 27 and NW 70th Ave. Rd. This would change the land from general agriculture, community business, and rural activity center zoning to planned unit development (PUD) zoning. The commission’s first public hearing occurred on Oct. 28, with a second one scheduled for Nov. 19 before the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

The applicant, Castro Plaza, LLC and Austin International Realty LLC, represented by the law firm Icard Merrill presented a master plan for Martingale. It includes 140 residential units (100 townhomes and 40 single-family homes) and up to 100,000 square feet of commercial space, with plans for neighborhood and community business uses, outdoor market areas, retail spaces, and event venues.

Residents raised concerns about increased traffic volume, road safety, the density of homes, and potential impacts on property values. The proposed PUD zoning must meet specific criteria to move forward, including:

  • Do not harm the public interest.
  • Be consistent with the Marion County Comprehensive Plan.
  • Fit well with the land uses nearby.

The Marion County Property Appraiser codes state that the site has some existing commercial areas, and the rest is zoned agricultural. It features a plaza with a number of stores and restaurants, and there are several nearby businesses, including Marion County Fire and Rescue Station #20 and Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a zoning change on Oct. 28, that modify the existing zoning, general agriculture, community business and rural activity center to mixed-use. The next public hearing will be Nov. 19 before the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The proposed development will be at N US Hwy. 27 and NW 70th Ave. Rd. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The proposed development will be behind the commercial property on N U.S. Hwy. 27. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Planned buffering features, like fencing and split rail farm fencing along U.S. Hwy. 27, meet or exceed county standards, providing a visual and environmental buffer between residential and commercial areas. Building height restrictions include a maximum of 35 feet for multi-family units and 30 feet for single-family homes.

The final traffic study is being conducted and will be provided by the applicant before the BOCC during the public hearing on Nov. 19.

The supporting infrastructure:

  • Central water/sewer adjacent to the property
  • Access to the NW 70th Avenue Road
  • Environmental Study Completed
  • Traffic analysis reviewed by the county staff and will be approved before the BOCC meeting

To address traffic concerns, Kimley-Horn, an engineering firm, conducted an initial traffic methodology report. Their findings estimate the development could generate up to 10,255 daily trips.

The proposed unit development:

  • Inside the Urban Growth Boundary.
  • Outside of the Farmland Preservation Area.
  • The current land use classification is commercial, and the existing land use fits well with it.
  • Walkable mixed-use community.
  • In line with all the policies and goals of the comprehensive plan.

The final decision will follow the upcoming Nov. 19 public hearing, where further input and final traffic analysis will be reviewed.