A property owner is hoping to convert an 18.24-acre site in southwest Ocala from multifamily to commercial zoning, with plans to build a commercial plat with three lots and tracts on the land.
The rezoning request from Circle Fore LLC will be introduced to the Ocala City Council during its next regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1.
According to state corporate records, Circle Fore, LLC, is owned by Mac Fore and Noelle Smith. The company is asking to rezone one parcel and a portion of another that total 18.24 acres in size. The parcels are situated at the southwest intersection of SW 48th Avenue and SW 49th Place in Ocala.
According to city staff, the parcel was annexed in November 2005 and was rezoned multiple times over the years. On November 15, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2023-14, which rezoned the subject properties from community business (B-2) and office park (OP) to their current zoning of multi-family residential (R-3). After that rezoning, a plan for development was never submitted f0r the site.
In addition to the rezoning, a subdivision improvement plan is also currently under review for the plat, which would contain three lots, three tracts, and associated public roadway and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
During an Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on June 9, commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request.
A memo prepared by city staff recommends approval of the request, saying it is consistent with the surrounding area and that B-2 is an appropriate zoning for the intended use of the subject property.
The Ocala City Council next meets at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue) on Tuesday, July 1, at 4 p.m.
