Commission approves rezoning to add Walmart outparcel despite neighbor traffic and maintenance concerns

The Zoning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning to convert a vacant outparcel at the northwest corner of Military Trail and Coconut Lane into additional retail space as part of the Walmart Neighborhood Market site.

Bradley Miller, a land planner with RBA Design Studio representing the applicant, said the proposal rezones the parcel to a Multiple Use Plan Development so a new retail building (about 6,900 square feet) can be added. Miller said the change increases the site’s building area but retains existing parking and driveway configurations while proposing selected driveway and circulation improvements to improve safety.

Neighbor Jeff Smart, who lives adjacent to the Walmart, spoke during public comment and raised concerns about traffic at the proposed entrance and whether Walmart (as a tenant) was maintaining landscaping. "There's a lot of traffic in the area and this is going to cause more traffic," Smart said, urging the commission to consider the driveway configuration and safety. The applicant responded that traffic counts and a traffic study show the roadway is meeting acceptable levels of service and that improvements including plastic delineators are planned to force safer movement through the driveway.

Staff said it would have landscaping staff inspect current maintenance if enforcement issues exist and that the project meets the criteria in the staff report. Following discussion, a motion to approve Item 6A passed on the record.