Dana O'Connor
Key Points
- The Apopka Development Review Committee recommended approval for Joy Child Academy's special exception to operate a child care facility on Chandler Road.
- Planning recommended denial of the 41-lot Bronson Peak plat due to unresolved comments from legal, surveyor and Public Works staff.
- Crossroads at Kelly Park Phase 3's 85-lot development was recommended for denial pending revisions to alleys and turnaround from Fire and Planning staff.
The Apopka Development Review Committee recommended approval of a proposed child care facility Wednesday while Planning sought revisions to plans for two residential developments.
Joy Child Academy is seeking a special exception to operate at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road, property zoned for office use. Planner Jun Sohn said a child care facility is allowed there with Planning Commission approval. Comments from Public Works and Fire can be addressed during construction site plan review, he said.
Planning recommended approval of the special exception so it can be scheduled for an upcoming Planning Commission meeting. That commission would decide whether to grant it.
Planning recommended denial of a proposed plat for 41 lots in the northernmost portion of Bronson Peak because comments from the city’s legal staff, surveyor and Public Works remain unresolved.
“So I propose we don’t approve this today,” planner Jean Sanchez said.
Planning also recommended denial pending revisions for Crossroads at Kelly Park Phase 3, which Sanchez described at the meeting as a proposed 85-lot development. Fire staff questioned the width and layout of the alleys and a turnaround at the southern end of the development.
Chris Kowalski, appearing for the applicant, said the alleys are not intended to provide fire access. Homes would front on streets accessible to fire vehicles, and parking would not be allowed along the alleys, he said. Kowalski said the applicant would correct the undersized turnaround.
Planning Manager Bobby Howell said he had additional comments that had not yet been issued. Sanchez said she would send the applicant an updated set after receiving them.
The committee also reviewed three events: Apopka High School’s Oct. 8 homecoming parade and pep rally at the Northwest Recreation Complex; an auto sale planned for Nov. 13–22 at 657 W. Orange Blossom Trail; and the Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival, scheduled for Jan. 23–24, 2027, at the Apopka Amphitheater.