Escambia commissioners approve rezoning for Gidey Lane parcel amid neighbors' concerns

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners approved a planning-board recommendation to rezone a parcel on Gidey Lane (case Z2026-01) to allow higher-density residential development, after several Fox Run homeowners voiced opposition at the March 7 meeting.

Homeowners said rezoning from medium-density to higher-density (from 10 units/acre to roughly 18 units/acre as discussed in public testimony) would increase traffic at an already congested intersection, reduce privacy and remove tree canopy. "If we increase the density...it will have a direct negative impact to Fox Run," Irene Gilgen, president of the Fox Run homeowners association, told commissioners.

The applicant and property owner said the project would provide duplexes or townhome-style units aimed at expanding affordable housing options and noted prior approvals for multifamily uses on the site. The owner said the project could bring 2022 affordable housing units and that similar projects in other parts of the county had been successful.

Planning staff and the developer agreed to enhanced buffering and other measures to protect adjacent single-family properties; staff noted the parcel previously received approvals for townhomes and the planning commission recommended approval. After discussion about buffers and neighborhood impacts, the board voted to adopt the planning board's recommendation.

The board's approval moves the project to subsequent development-review stages where setbacks, buffering and design will be finalized; neighbors and the developer will have opportunities to review final site plans and any required variance proceedings.