260622 City Council Supplemental Documents

City Council Meeting · 2026-06-22 · attachment

[case Ordinance No. 2026-18] This document details discussions and public comments regarding proposed Ordinance No. 2026-18, which seeks to implement a 36-month moratorium on the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) review process for projects within the Downtown Historic District Overlay, replacing it with an Appearance Review Board (ARB) process. The ordinance aims to streamline redevelopment by temporarily pausing the need for HPB Certificates of Appropriateness, allowing ARB review based on Downtown Design Guidelines instead of the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The stated goal is to encourage adaptive reuse and revitalization of historic buildings, not demolition, though demolition permits would still require staff-level historic review and approval only after a replacement project permit is issued. A proposed incentive program offers a 10-year 50% to 75% real property tax refund on increased tax increment revenue for eligible projects within the Downtown Historic District that preserve historically significant elements. The document includes numerous public comments, with proponents arguing the current process is difficult and costly, hindering reinvestment, while opponents express concerns that the moratorium eliminates protections and could lead to demolition of historic structures. Several speakers highlighted that the HPB has not denied any requests from the district in the past five years and has approved numerous storefront redevelopments, suggesting the premise that historic review is blocking projects is unsupported by evidence. Concerns were also raised about the potential loss of federal and state tax credits and grants if the ordinance passes without review, and the State of Florida's notification of potential loss of CLG accreditation. [1600 Aaron Ave.; case GMP2025-10017 (GMP amendment), ZON2025-10010 (PD rezoning), QJ2026-002 (Quasi-Judicial Appeal)] This document details a legislative appeal and quasi-judicial appeal concerning the redevelopment of 1600 Aaron Avenue in Orlando. The project involves a Growth Management Plan amendment to change the Future Land Use from Public Recreation and Institutional (PUB-REC-INST) to Residential Low Intensity (RES-LOW) and a Planned Development rezoning to convert the former Quest site to a Community Assembly Public Benefit Use (church and ancillary uses). The Orlando Brazilian Seventh-day Adventist Church proposes to use the existing campus for worship services, religious education, expanded parking, and a community playfield, with a future phase for an early education center. The Municipal Planning Board initially recommended approval, limiting Phase 1 to 200 seats. Appellants, including Cynthia Harris and other community representatives, filed appeals citing concerns about stormwater, traffic, emergency access, and the weight given to staff opinions over conflicting evidence. The Hearing Officer recommended approval of the rezoning for Phase 1 (200 seats), finding no competent substantial evidence against it. The City Council is considering these appeals.