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The West Viera approval process continues to move forward.
Based on input from a series of community workshops and open houses, The Viera Company proposed a set of amendments to the Brevard County Comprehensive Plan, which would establish a new vision for West Viera. The Brevard County Commission voted in March to transmit these amendments to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments are one part of the overall approval process for West Viera. The amendments to the Comprehensive Plan proposed by The Viera Company would allow the following:
- A reduction in the number of homes allowed in the West Viera Expansion Area, from 17,289 as allowed in the current Comprehensive Plan to 11,000.
- A reduction in the area allowed to be developed in the West Viera Expansion Area, from 11,567 acres as allowed in the current Comprehensive Plan to 6,455 acres. The remaining area would remain undeveloped as protected, managed land.
- A reduction of traffic impacts which would be as a result of the decreased number of residential units allowed.
- The ability for West Viera to be developed using smart growth development principles, including mixed-use villages offering a variety of housing types and prices.
Earlier this month, the DCA issued its report about the proposed amendments to the County, known as an Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) report.
The ORC report is intended to provide feedback about the proposed amendments for the County to consider. The County may approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendments with or without the recommendations put forth in the report. Likewise, the DCA reserves the right to appeal amendments approved by the County.
In its report, the DCA stated that it supports the conceptual land use plan for the West Viera expansion. Objections and recommendations in the report focused on issues that The Viera Company and Brevard County have been working on, namely transportation, water services and environmental conservation. The Viera Company will continue to work with the County on these issues until resolution is reached within the three-track approval process for the West Viera Plan:
1. Comprehensive Plan Amendments
2. Development of Regional Impact
3. Planned Unit Development Zoning
These tracks will converge at a single hearing with the Brevard County Commission where the approval of each will be considered.
The Viera Company believes that the West Viera Plan is a sustainable, community-inspired plan for Brevard County that provides the necessary balance between the built and natural environment. We look forward to continued community input and cooperation throughout this process.
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