The LPA unanimously approved the rezoning to allow The Hope Center for Autism Elementary Charter School with minor site plan changes including a perimeter fence for safety and security, provision for a fenced in play area if needed, a stop bar and stop sign at the existing entrance and at the new one-way entry driveway. 

The Hope Center for Autism as the contract purchaser of property is seeking a re-zoning on a 1.22 acre parcel of land with an existing warehouse/office building in order to relocate the Hope Center for Autism Charter Elementary School.

The site is located within the Willoughby Business Park, on SE Poma Way, a private road with its only access via Willoughby Blvd. The applicant proposes access to the site provided SE Poma Way via two access points, one existing and one proposed.  The additional driveway will allow for a bus drop-off loop for the school.  A total of 43 parking spaces (30 existing and 13 proposed) will satisfy parking needs for 32 morning session and 33 afternoon session staff members.  A traffic impact analysis has been prepared showing less than a 2.00% AM increase in trips while the PM peak hours result in a reduction of peak hourly trip rates and a decrease in overall daily trips.

The project proposes to add approximately 1,900 square feet of imperviousness to the existing site.  A storm-water analysis has been submitted by the projects engineer of record with evidence of a Willoughby Business Park master system designed to provide treatment and attenuation for existing and future lots with up to 76% imperviousness. The proposed driveway and additional parking spaces proposed create only 68% impervious condition for the project.

The school proposes to replace six oak trees with six new East Palatka Holly trees that will wrap around the rear of the building.  Six foot wide sidewalk currently exist on both sides of SE Poma Way connecting to sidewalk along SE Willoughby Blvd.