Sec. 656.399.54. - Legislative findings.

The Council hereby finds and determines as follows: A. In August 2015, pursuant to Resolution 2015-476-A, the City Council found that portions of University Boulevard, Merrill Road, and Arlington Road were "blighted" as that term is defined in Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes, and in November 2015, pursuant to Ordinance 2015-738-E, the City Council established a new Community Redevelopment Agency, known as the Renew Arlington Community Redevelopment Agency ("RA/CRA") and approved a Community Redevelopment Plan (the "Plan") for the Community Redevelopment Area which was previously declared blighted. B. The Plan identified the need for a Zoning Overlay encompassing the Community Redevelopment Area as an objective of the Plan. C. The decline of commercial development along the RA/CRA Community Redevelopment Area corridors have contributed to blighted conditions within the RA/CRA Community Redevelopment Area (the "Redevelopment Area"). D. Small lot sizes within the Redevelopment Area present challenges for modern commercial development, which often require lot acreage greater than one or two acres. E. Due to various challenges and limitations, commercial vacancies are common within the Redevelopment Area leading to a lack of investment along University Boulevard, Merrill Road, and Arlington Road. F. Legal non-conforming uses, such as single family residential uses on commercially-zoned properties, create an inconsistent land use pattern and a dangerous environment for pedestrians. G. Ensuring vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle safety is a challenge due in part to a lack of landscaping, signage, and streetscape improvements. H. The performance standards and regulations contained in this Subpart S were developed with the participation and assistance of neighborhood residents, property owners and City staff. I. The Planning Commission and the Land Use and Zoning Committee considered these regulations, held public hearings and made their recommendations to the Council. J. Based on the foregoing findings, the Council hereby establishes the Renew Arlington Zoning Overlay (the "Zoning Overlay") regulations contained in this Subpart S, of Part 3, of the Zoning Code for the purpose of encouraging commercial development, discouraging high intensity uses, and providing performance standards, design guidelines and special regulations for uses to enhance the character and aesthetics of the Overlay area. (Ord. 2019-239-E , § 1)