The Putnam County Planning Commission recommended approval of REZ25-000014, which would rezone approximately 2.52 acres at 149 South Highway 17 in East Palatka to Commercial‑3 to allow contiguous commercial uses, including outdoor shed sales. Planning staff recommended approval, saying the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and land-development code, but staff and residents flagged access and congestion concerns on State Road 17 and Walton Road that DRC and FDOT will need to resolve.

Ethan Thompson presented the staff analysis and told the commission the property’s future land use is commercial and the site lies in FEMA Zone X; staff recommended approval and noted any permitted site improvements will require DRC review. Members discussed how DOT curb-cut rules could limit direct access to Highway 17, which likely requires access from Walton Road or a variance or cross-access easement with neighboring properties. One resident, Terry Suggs, said pulling out of the existing driveway already blocks the right-hand turn from SR‑17 onto Walton Road and cautioned that additional commercial traffic and trailers could worsen that condition. "When you pull out of that particular piece of property ... it blocks the road for a right hand turn off of 17 onto Walton Road," Suggs said.

Commissioners noted DOT’s variance process and the possibility of the owner being required at DRC to provide turn-lane improvements or cross-access easements; staff said any required turn lane would likely be at the owner’s expense. In discussion the commission acknowledged neighborhood congestion risks but concluded DRC and DOT review could manage access impacts.

A motion to recommend approval carried on a voice vote; commissioners reiterated that DRC would be tasked with addressing ingress/egress, parking and any turn-lane requirements before permits would be issued.