Title:
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Rosenwald Community Center Rezone - Consider a Rezone from R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One-and Two- Family Dwelling) to PLI (Public Lands and Institutions) for a Public Park and Community Center on approximately 12.96 acres, located on the north side of Merritt St, approximately 0.25 miles east of Ronald Reagan Blvd; (Z2025-024) (Seminole County & DRMP, Inc., Applicants) District4 - Lockhart (Annie Sillaway, Principal Planner)
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Agenda Category:
Public Hearing Items
Department/Division:
division
Development Services
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Authorized By:
Joy Giles - Planning & Development Manager
Contact/Phone Number:
Annie Sillaway/407-665-7936
Background:
The Applicants are requesting a rezone from R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One- and Two-Family Dwelling) to PLI (Public Lands and Institutions) to allow for the development of a public park and community center. The subject site, being approximately 12.96 acres, was previously occupied by the historic Rosenwald School in the East Altamonte community. Seminole County acquired the property in 2019 for the purpose of redeveloping the site into a functional community asset offering a public park with pavilions, a fishing pier, and a 6,000 square foot community center for cultural events, community services, and youth activities. The current residential zoning classifications do not support the proposed use, necessitating the rezone.
The subject property has a Public/Quasi-Public Future Land Use designation, which permits a maximum Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) of 0.65. This designation is intended to identify locations suitable for a range of public and quasi-public uses, including, but not limited to, public and private recreation facilities, educational institutions, and libraries. It applies to areas where such uses are already established, as well as to areas reserved for future public use.
To allow the proposed Community Center to be developed on the site, the zoning must be amended to ensure consistency with the existing Public, Quasi-Public Future Land Use designation.
The Future Land Use and zoning designations of the surrounding area are as follows:
East: SunRail Right-of-Way
West: Future Land Use: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One-and Two- Family Dwelling)
North: Future Land Use: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One-and Two- Family Dwelling)
South: Merritt Street
Future Land Use: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling)
Site Analysis
Floodplain Impacts:
Based on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with an effective date of 2007, the site appears to contain floodplain. A topographic survey showing floodplain delineations will be required prior to Site Plan approval. Conservation easements, dedicated to Seminole County, will be required over all property within the post development 100-year floodplain.
Wetland Impacts:
Based on preliminary aerial photo and County wetland map analysis, there appears to be approximately 0.13 acres of wetlands on the subject property along Lake Mobile. A topographic survey showing wetland and floodplain delineations will be required at Site Plan review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife:
Based on a preliminary analysis, there may be endangered and threatened wildlife on the subject property. A listed species survey may be required prior to Site Plan approval.
Utilities:
The site is located in the City of Altamonte utility service area and will be required to connect to public utilities for water and sewer.
Transportation/Traffic:
The property proposes access onto Merritt Street, which is classified as a local Road. Merritt Street does not have improvements programed in the County five (5) year Capital Improvement Program.
Sidewalks:
There is an existing sidewalk along Merritt Street; therefore, the Developer will not be required to construct a sidewalk along the property frontage.
Drainage:
The proposed project is located within the Little Wekiva Drainage Basin, which has limited downstream capacity; therefore, the site’s design is required to hold water quality and not exceed the pre-development rate and volume for the twenty-five (25) year, twenty-four (24) hour storm event.
Buffers and Open Space:
Buffers and Open Space requirements will be evaluated at time of Site Plan review and will be in compliance with the Seminole County Land Development Code (SCLDC).
Consistency with the Land Development Code
The proposed PLI (Public Lands and Institutions) zoning designation has been evaluated for compatibility with the SCLDC in accordance with Chapter 30, Part 8.
The PLI District is intended to include major public lands and quasi-public institutional uses. This classification may only be applied to lands that are owned or controlled by the public.
Staff finds the requested PLI zoning classification to be consistent with the SCLDC and permits the proposed use of a public park and community center. The park and community center will provide a direct benefit to the community by offering accessible services and programs, and a gathering space designed to support the surrounding neighborhood.
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan
The purpose and intent of the Public, Quasi Public Future Land Use is to identify locations for a variety of public and quasi-public uses, transportation, communication, utilities, and in areas where public and quasi-public uses are established and in areas reserved for future public use.
The requested PLI zoning classification is permitted under the existing Public, Quasi Public Future Land Use designation and supports the proposed uses. The proposed development will provide a functional community asset offering a public park with pavilions, a fishing pier, and a 6,000 square foot community center for cultural events, community services, and youth activities; therefore, staff finds the requested PLI zoning classification to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
A community meeting was held on December 9, 2025, to discuss the overall Rosenwald Community Center project and was held by Seminole County Public Works, prior to submission of the rezone application. Since that meeting covered the full scope of the project, the Planning Manager has waived the requirement for a separate community meeting for the rezoning request.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend to the Board of County Commissioners adoption of the Ordinance enacting a rezone from R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One-and Two- Family Dwelling) to PLI (Public Lands and Institutions) as per the following motion:
Based on Staff’s findings and the testimony and evidence received at the hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and meets the applicable portions of the Land Development Code, and recommends the Board of County Commissioners adopt the Ordinance enacting a rezone from R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling) and R-2 (One-and Two- Family Dwelling) to PLI (Public Lands and Institutions), on approximately 12.96 acres, located on the north side of Merritt St, approximately 0.25 miles east of Ronald Reagan Blvd.