The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment (ZMA25-00016; Ordinance No. 2025-80) to change approximately 327 acres known as Neo City South to the Employment Commercial (EC) zoning district.

Marcus Bastian, deputy director of Community Development, presented the proposal and staff recommendation. He said the site is roughly 327 acres located west of the Turnpike; staff recommended EC zoning consistent with the recently adopted Employment Center future land-use designation and added a staff condition that realignment of Cross Prairie Parkway and South Berry Drive and any related lot reconfigurations may be administratively approved by the city manager or designee to expedite construction of the framework roads.

John Adams (RJWA Inc.), representing the applicant, stated his agreement with staff’s recommendation. County staff and commissioners discussed the transportation framework: commissioners and county staff noted the planned Cross Prairie Parkway and South Berry Drive framework roads, the proximity to the new Nolte Interchange on the Florida Turnpike, and that the EC district is intended for job-focused development rather than residential uses. County staff explained those framework roads will be built in coordination with county planning and that the Nolte Interchange construction is expected to support roadway connections in the area.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the timing and location of arterial connections and whether the administrative realignment authority would apply; staff explained the administrative provision is intended to allow minor alignment adjustments to avoid delaying road construction while ensuring the master-plan-level standards are addressed. The motion recommending approval with staff conditions passed 5-0. Master planning and project-specific reviews will follow if Council adopts the zoning change.