The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved the major development plan for The Ridge Phase 3 on Wednesday, advancing a proposed 363-unit multifamily development after commissioners delayed action on the project last month. 

The plan calls for 11 apartment buildings, a clubhouse, pool, parking, sidewalks, landscaping and other improvements on 14.37 acres within Parcel 3 of The Ridge planned development. The remainder of the approximately 30.49-acre parcel is planned for future commercial and office development. 

The commission tabled the proposal July 1 to allow further discussion of transportation access and roadway improvements. No changes were made to the proposed major development plan during the delay, Senior Planner Jean Sanchez told commissioners. 

The approval does not authorize construction. The project will undergo further technical review through the city’s construction plan process, including final engineering, transportation, drainage, utility and other construction details.  

The development plan includes extending Bronson Lake Drive from its existing terminus to Ocoee Apopka Road, creating a connection among Boy Scout Road, Ocoee Apopka Road and the larger Ridge development. The plans also identify proposed turn-lane improvements along Ocoee Apopka Road, with final requirements to be determined during construction site plan review. 

Commissioner Sam Ruth again raised concerns Wednesday about transportation planning in the area, including a previous corridor study and the city’s progress toward roadway improvements. 

“We’ve been working on this for going on six years, and we’ve done nothing,” Ruth said. “And I want everything that’s occurred up to this point to reflect the sins of the past.” 

Sanchez said the city relied on the corridor study to seek federal funding and ultimately secured more than $17 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program for a complete streets project along the Ocoee-Apopka Road corridor. The federal award totals $17.36 million. 

Public Works Director/City Engineer Vladimir Simonovski said the federal grant agreement is expected to be signed around the end of the year or beginning of January, with construction on the roadway project approximately two to two-and-a-half years away. 

Staff found the proposal consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, The Ridge planned development master plan and applicable development standards.  

The Development Review Committee recommended approval on June 3, followed by a 4-2 recommendation from the Planning Commission on June 9. 

During public comment, residents raised concerns about infrastructure, schools and whether the city had sufficient information before approving additional development. 

“Everything needs to be black and white and in front of you guys,” resident Leroy Bell said. “Everything, especially with where infrastructure and everything going.” 

After closing public comment, the commission approved the major development plan unanimously.