Belleview commission denies 85-townhome rezoning, approves US 441 annexation

The Belleview City Commission voted August 18 to deny a rezoning for a project proposing 85 townhomes. The land, owned by Ocala Housing Solutions, LLC, is zoned R-3, which allows for 64 units. The city’s zoning specialist said the 85 units were consistent with a Comprehensive Plan allowance of up to 11 units per acre for planned developments within a half mile of the Central Business District.

Commissioner Michael Goldman moved to deny the rezoning, and Commissioner Ray Dwyer seconded. Commissioners Ronald Livsey, Goldman and Dwyer and Mayor Christine Dobkowski voted for the motion. Commissioner Robert Smith was absent. City Administrator Mariah Moody said Smith had contacted her and was not in favor of increasing the density from 64 to 85.

One speaker said the city does not have enough traffic control devices to handle the growth. Another pointed to traffic, speeding and the elementary school. A third described flooding in the area after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Dwyer and Goldman said they had received many calls from citizens about the development. An attorney for the property owner asked the commission to approve the ordinance and make changes before the second public hearing.

The commission approved Ordinance 2026-10, annexing commercially zoned parcels owned by US 441 Development LLC. The parcels have access to US 441 and SE 100th Street and have city water and sewer available. It also approved Ordinance 2026-17, a small scale comprehensive plan amendment for a property being developed with a single-family home.

A county resident asked the commission to amend the City Charter so anyone with a Belleview residential address could run for city office, whether or not they live inside the city limits. Dwyer said it did not make logical sense for people outside the city limits to make rules for those who live inside. Dobkowski agreed and said those outside the city have the opportunity to run for a County Commission seat.

On July 20, Development Services Director Chancey presented a report on hiring a full-time Building Official for FY 2026-27 to replace the current contract with Safe Built. The position is estimated at $95,000 plus benefits and payroll costs, with about $35,100 in additional startup expenses. Goldman said he believes the service should be in-house, and the commission agreed.