Lakeland officials have given the green light to plans to build 30 townhomes on one midtown block despite concerns raised about the density and potential traffic issues.
The commission voted 5-2 to approve several changes that would allow Orlando-based developer Neiel Group LLC to construct 30 single-family attached townhouses at 1064 Gilmore Ave., just north of Memorial Boulevard between Lakeland Hills Boulevard and Lake Parker. The project is part of the city’s Affordable Housing Land Bank Program.
“This is all in terms of trying to provide additional affordable housing stock within our community,” said Chuck Barmby, the city’s traffic and development review manager.
Real estate deal
The roughly 1.8-acre lot is actually three adjacent parcels purchased by Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency in July 2019 for $140,000, according to Polk County Property Appraiser’s website. There was a single-family home on one of the parcels at the time, which the CRA demolished…