Amended zoning could bring 2,000 homes, commercial development to Burnt Store area
The prospect of amended zoning in the Burnt Store area holds the allure of potential growth, bringing forth nearly 2,000 new homes alongside substantial commercial spaces. The Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board’s approval signifies a shift, leading to a future teeming with new residents and businesses.
These developments, propelled by the ambitions of Zemel Land Partners LLC and CC Burnt Store LLC, may transform the landscape considerably. With around 300,000 square feet of projected commercial space, the atmosphere could likely shift from serene suburban to dynamic urban, which prompts contemplation on the delicate balance of community and commerce.
At the heart of this development journey is Zemel Land Partners, represented by attorney Robert Berntsson from The Big W Law Firm. They are advocating for the Firelight project, which spreads over 350 acres. Here lies the crux of choice: 1,000 residential units devoid of commercial components, or a configuration of 466 homes paired with extensive retail options.
Two parcels destined for these house developments rest along Burnt Store Road. One parcel is strategically located on Zemel Road, while another stretches north of Zemel Road, south of Shotgun Road, and east of Burnt Store Road.
A public meeting recently shed light on community concerns. Residents voiced apprehensions over flood risks due to the area’s high water table. Kathleen Sova, a resident of Burnt Store Village, described her troubling experience with flooding, urging officials to halt new developments until existing homes find occupants. Her plea harkens back to a simpler time when land was abundant and nature thrived undisturbed.
Kathleen Sova
Richard Lincoln shared poignant images depicting flooding on his property. His frustrations spoke to the broader battle between nature and development. “How much more water will this bring?” he questioned, signaling a storm brewing within the community itself. The uneasy dance between preserving local wildlife and advancing urban goals continuously surfaces in discussions.
To address these concerns, Berntsson assured the audience that 93% of wetlands would be preserved, aligning with modern stormwater management tactics that older developments failed to implement. This balance between development and nature is critical, especially in an area squeezed for space and resources.
Shaun Cullinan, a zoning official, indicated that this area would host a variety of housing styles, including single-family homes, attached villas, and townhouses. The second application will cap the total number of residential units at 273, marking a slight decrease from the originally proposed 359.
Berntsson emphasized that only 1.03 acres of wetlands would be impacted for road connectivity, an assurance welcomed by many who fear encroachment on nature’s resilience. “Out of 54.96 acres of wetlands, we’re only impacting a fraction,” he noted, underscoring the commitment to preserving the ecosystem.
Jie Shao
As development moves forward with CC Burnt Store LLC’s Coral Creek Phase 1A, the conversation around community values and the direction Punta Gorda takes continues to flourish. The approved plan retains the potential for 999 dwelling units and 200,000 square feet of commercial space, yet how does this implementation serve the collective narrative of the community’s essence?
In this rapidly evolving landscape, the ultimate question lingers: Will Burnt Store maintain its charm amidst a wave of modern developments? Only time will reveal the true impact of these ambitious changes.
