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New Owner Seeks Height Increase and Community Enhancements for Downtown Development

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New Owner Seeks Height Increase and Community Enhancements for Downtown Development

The new owner of a prime downtown acre, rezoned for development in 2018, sought amendments to previous proffers from the City Commission. Fourth and Trail Development, managing the site, requested permission to increase building heights to 10 stories, the maximum in the Downtown Core Zone District, in exchange for street-level enhancements and affordable housing.

The Commission referred the rezoning request back to the Planning Board for further review. The site spans four parcels on Fourth Street and two on Fruitville Road, partially surrounding the Encore condominiums. Initially, proffers limited development heights to three and five stories. The new owner proposed removing these limits and adding conditions: public parking, improved sidewalks, and affordable housing units if certain criteria are met.

Kimley-Horn, the consulting firm, emphasized a comprehensive development approach for the Rosemary District, focusing on community feedback for wider sidewalks, substantial tree planting, and improved pedestrian zones. City Manager Allison Christie noted that the decision to amend proffers is a policy matter for the Planning Board and City Commission. Mayor Liz Alpert suggested revisiting the Planning Board to discuss the amended proffers, stressing the importance of long-term planning and community input.