'Marina' to be added to PDP examples, planning staff says, to clear way for marina project on Blackwater River

City planning staff told the Milton council that the quickest path for a proposed Blackwater River mixed-use project is to treat it as a PDP (plan development project) but to amend the city's UDC to include 'marina' as an allowable example use in the commercial PDP.

Mr. Spears said staff met with the project's proponents and planning staff and that Jacob had reviewed the PDP process. Jacob described three PDP types (residential, commercial, mixed-use) and explained that the current commercial PDP examples omit 'marina' even though marinas are an allowable use in the underlying C-2 zoning district. He recommended amending the ordinance to add 'marina' to the commercial PDP examples and explained that because the project crosses R-3 and C-2 zones it will also require a Board of Adjustments special-exception process and the normal PDP technical and planning-board reviews.

Jacob characterized the proposal as an inclusive mixed-use development with restaurants, event space, marinas, trailer parking, and elevated residential units with private docks; he said the development totals about 3.8 acres. Staff said, because the project is a city partnership on city property, application fees would be waived and the first reading of the ordinance to amend the land-development code would appear at the next meeting.

Residents asked about maintaining public access and a potential boardwalk connection to Carpenters Park. Jimmy Messick (Milton) asked whether individual residential docks would hinder a future boardwalk; staff responded that the CRA will install a sidewalk on Quinn Street to connect marina access to the existing boardwalk and that the boat ramp in the drawings is intended to remain public, though trailer parking will be limited.

Council did not vote at the work session but staff said they will bring the ordinance language and an application timeline forward for first reading at the next regular meeting.