FELLSMERE — The Fellsmere City Council, with members of its Planning and Zoning Board, spent nearly five hours Tuesday night discussing ways to make sure future development in Fellsmere encapsulates their vision for the city.
The council and board held a joint workshop, which two members of the public attended and opted to not provide public input.
The workshop, led by Community Development Director Mark Mathes, went into detail the issues the council will need to address going forward to make sure development happens in a way they can accept – from handling annexation requests and providing municipal services outside the city’s limits, to the architectural styles and types of businesses allowed in the city’s historic district.
One issue briefly discussed was the potential construction of traffic circles at key intersections within Fellsmere.
“Confusion corner” is what Planning and Zoning member Buddy Akers called them, adding that the city would need someone to direct traffic at the circles.
“One of the things I like about Fellsmere is the grid system (of roads),” said City Councilwoman Sara Savage. “You can get from Point A to Point B.”
“Traffic circles are pretty,” Mayor Susan Adams said, adding that they’re not practical.
The workshop touched on land use issues along the north side of County Road 512 – an issue that brought Larry Loschiavo out to the meeting. Though he didn’t speak during the workshop, he has addressed the Fellsmere City Council twice regarding a property his father-in-law owns on the north side of CR512.
The building is located at N. Elm Street and is historical, having once been built around 1926 and the home of then-Mayor Americus Day. The home has since fallen into disrepair and Loschiavo’s father-in-law had hoped to sell the property to Family Dollar for a store to be built.
Fellsmere code prohibits retail uses along the north side of CR512.
By the end of the workshop Tuesday night, it appeared the council’s stance was not about to change.
Adams and Savage, both, expressed concerns about the intensity of such a commercial use when the north side of CR512 is more residential in character.
The council and board also discussed what to do about structures that people have built on their properties without the proper permits.
Currently, the city attempts to identify such structures and – if a life or safety issue is noticed – the city will take immediate action. Otherwise, property owners often get a warning.
“At some point, we have to enforce the rules,” Adams said. “We’ve been lax. We didn’t want to be heavy-handed.”
The group touched on the aesthetics of County Road 512, as well, discussing how to create a cohesive feel to the thoroughfare. They agreed the road needs to remain three lanes – one in each direction and a center turn lane. Landscaping would help to link the individual properties together.
“We need to brand ourselves,” Adams said, given the city’s efforts to market itself to tourists and businesses.
