Plan for up to 320-unit complex sent to state

A plan to build up to 320 multifamily units near the 2400 block of Southeast Maricamp Road was sent to the state for its approval before the details of the project move forward.

On July 6, the Ocala City Council voted unanimously to send the plan to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity creating a zoning district allowing the development.

The 23.51 acres are owned by the Donna Machelle Albright Family Trust and have been historically used for agriculture purposed and has a single-family home on the land. The property was annexed into the city in 2006 and a zoning district was never established.

The proposed development is located behind other property that fronts Maricamp and currently the property is accessed via an 8-foot wide road that connects to Southeast 24th Street.

Before any development can move forward, the developer would have to include a plan to provide the proper access to the site.

The plan is one of several development under consideration in the same area. The city has started coordinating with several property owners in the area, including Woodland Villages, RM Maricamp LLC, Gail Haselden, ARC, Lawrence Moody, Chris Spears, and Fluid Routing Solutions LLC to come with a comprehensive strategy to address the traffic issues in this area, according to city documents.

Previously, the Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the requested amendment by a 5-0 vote.