A proposed 156-unit condominium project near Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club is moving forward after Charlotte County commissioners narrowly approved a land-use change for the development.
In a 3-2 vote, the Board of County Commissioners agreed to transmit a rezoning request for 20.33 acres near Lister Street in Port Charlotte. The land lies north of the Peace River, south of Edgewater Drive, west of Bayshore Road and east of Lister Street.
If no objections are raised during a 30-day state agency review, the proposal will return to the commission for adoption July 22.
The condo complex, owned by Yacht Club owner Jeff DiLaura, will be called Tarpon Waterfront Village. Tenants will have access and membership in the club that faced foreclosure before DiLaura purchased it, attorney Michael Haymans said.
Since then, the club has rebounded, and several members testified the condo project would further revitalize the club that hosts a youth sailing program and a regatta.
Portions of the land were previously owned by the county and intended to be used as a park. Subsequently, it was rezoned for rural, agricultural and preservation land.
County Principal Planner Jie Shao said the project is not consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan, as the entire property is in the Coastal High Hazard area.
“I cannot in good conscience allow for density in a Coastal High Hazard area,” Commissioner Chris Constance said, noting he changed his philosophy after hurricanes Ian, Debby and Milton.
The condo’s first floors would be built at an elevation of 22.5 feet, exceeding code, and the units would be located in the upland portion of the parcel.
DiLaura’s team said the project includes wetland preservation, removal of invasive species and a new road to improve drainage.
The road would cross the property and provide a barrier to flooding, according to the Tarpon Waterfront Village team, which also includes Ben Smith, land use planner with Morris-Depew Associates Inc.; Bill Morris, civil engineer with Morris-Depew; Paul Owen, ecologist with Owen Environmental Consulting LLC; Reid Fellows, transportation engineer with TR Transportation Consultants Inc.; and Tyler Petersen, architect with PDS Architecture Inc.
They also pointed out the property is surrounded by other condo developments. During hurricanes Helene and Milton, the yacht club didn’t flood and had just a few inches of rainfall in the parking lot.
Haymans said the land “is the antithesis of rural.”
It is in within walking distance and short commuting distance from shops, medical services, schools, pharmacies and banks
Over the years, the land fell into disarray, becoming overgrown with vegetation and serving as an encampment for unhoused individuals.
Commission Chair Joe Tiseo also voted against the transmittal, and Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch asked whether the developer would provide a plan with less density.
Haymans said he would provide an answer in July when the matter goes before the commission.
