Development brief: “Martingale” PUD behind Horse n’ Hounds
[Image courtesy Marion County]
| Location | 6998 N US Highway 27, just southeast of the Golden Hills Center at the corner NW Highway 225A (NW 70th Avenue) and 27. |
| Type of request | Castro Plaza, LLC and Austin International Realty has requested an amendment of an approved PUD to increase the dwelling units from 140 to 190; to expand commercial area from 100,000 to 225,000 SF; and to reconfigure access from Highway 27 due to DOT requirements. |
| # of dwelling units on # of acres | 190 on 43.62 acres- townhomes and single-family |
| # of commercial/retail space | 225,000 square feet of retail and commercial spaces with sidewalks and buffering on east, south and west sides. The subject property is situated inside the Urban Growth Boundary and is located within the Secondary Spring’s Protection Overlay Zone (SSPOZ). |
| Links to application info from agenda | https://marionfl.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14815379&GUID=5F9AB8C3-8965-4DE6-8A10-5AFCB86E18C7
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| Commissioner/council district contact | District 5, Commissioner Michelle Stone [email protected] |
| Affected schools and current capacities per county staff report | Fessenden Elementary (90%) capacity; Howard Middle School (80% capacity); West Port High School (121% capacity)
From the staff report: “While there are areas of localized overcrowding the county, overall, has capacity. It is concluded that the proposed rezoning’s impact to public schools would not adversely affect the public interest. |
| Notes of interest | The parcel is south of the current Golden Hills Center that houses a credit union, restaurants and shops. Four driveways are proposed: two from NW 70th Avenue and two from Highway 27.
The BOCC approved the previous PUD based on 140 dwelling units and 100,000 SF of commercial space in November of 2024. The developers were praised for the architectural vernacular, using the farmhouse style on buildings. Â Â |
| Agenda item 15.1.9 | The item is slated for the Marion County Planning & Zoning board that will meet at 5:30PM, Monday, September 29, 2025.
The BOCC is scheduled to hear the application on October 21, 2025. |
[Image courtesy Marion County]
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