Editor’s note: This article was initially published with the wrong map. The image has been replaced with the correct map.
None of the 425 dwelling units in the proposed housing project for the former Macy’s property in the Oviedo Mall will be age restricted after the Local Planning Agency Board approved the change during a July 5 meeting.
Some LPA members expressed dismay over losing dedicated senior housing.
“I’m extremely disappointed at the loss of age restriction,” LPA member Steven Rich said during the meeting. “The city really could use it.”
Even though some LPA members voiced their disapproval of the decision, they unanimously approved the change because the plan still meets the city’s future land use and land development code criteria.
When it was originally proposed in January 2020, 175 units of the 425-unit project were intended to be age-restricted, unassisted senior living units, with the other 250 units having no age restriction.
Even though the total number of dwelling units will remain the same, the project’s residential square footage increased slightly to 52,935. The number of parking spaces also increased from 632 to 702. It is not yet clear if the layout of the units will change, the project’s consultant, Jonathan Martin, said. Also included in the project’s total 180,000 square feet is 127,000 for retail use and a 124-room hotel – 1,785 less than originally planned.
Martin said that they may consider adding a small number of age restricted units further along in the planning process, but he said he’s unsure if more of that type of housing is necessary. Additionally, the developer cited that removing the age restriction would further diversify the local economy.
“We want the flexibility to be able to lease to anybody that has housing needs right now,” Martin said.
One of the only local unassisted senior living complexes is Legacy Pointe at UCF, which currently has limited spaces available in its independent living community, according to Legacy Pointe’s sales department.
“I disagree with that – that there is no need for that type of housing in Oviedo,” LPA Board Chairman Darrell Lopez said. “I think you all need to go reassess that information.”
More mall housing possible
A pre-application for another housing project on 11 acres of vacant land on the Dillard’s side of the Mall’s property was submitted to the city several months ago. It would add 308 dwelling units, a pool and a park.
Development projects often must seek approval by the LPA before being considered by the City Council. Those interested in attending LPA meetings can attend in-person or view the YouTube livestream. The livestream link, along with agendas and other information, can be found at cityofoviedo.net.
Watch the full July 5 meeting
Megan Stokes contributed to this article.
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