You may notice yellow signs going up around the former Richland Mall property. These are notifications for an upcoming Planning Commission meeting regarding a proposed zoning change for the site.
The request is to rezone the property from a Commercial Enterprise/Redevelopment Zone or C5 to a Planned Development District (PDD).
Why a Planned Development District (PDD)?
A Planned Development District is a zoning tool that allows the City of Forest Acres and the developer, Southeastern Development LLC, to work together in a more detailed and intentional way than traditional zoning framework provides.
- Specificity: Unlike standard zoning, which allows broad categories of uses, a PDD is highly detailed. It lays out exactly what can be built where—such as apartments, retail, green space, or parking.
- Flexibility with Guardrails: Development projects often evolve over time. A PDD provides flexibility to adjust within an approved framework but also requires City review and approval if significant changes are proposed by the developer.
- Mixed-Use Best Practice: Because this project includes multiple uses—housing, retail, and other community amenities—a PDD is considered the best planning practice to ensure the overall development is cohesive, sustainable, and meets zoning requirements.
- Smart Growth: A PDD helps ensure the highest and best use of land, aligning with Forest Acres’ vision for sustainable growth, efficient land use, and long-term community benefit.
- Negotiation & Accountability: The PDD process is essentially a negotiation between the developer and City Council. It allows the City to be intentional about what types of uses are included while holding the developer accountable to the approved plan.
Development Phases (proposed)
- Phase 1: Apartments
- Phase 2: Kroger grocery store + retail space
- Phase 3: Additional mixed-use development (details to come)
What’s Next?
The Planning Commission will review the public suggestions given to them by City Council at their meeting Tuesday, October 21.