North Port’s city limits could soon stretch to include up to 1,875 new homes off South River Road. On Tuesday, city commissioners approved the master plan for “Wellen Park Village HL,” even though a few speakers raised environmental concerns.
The proposal covers residential housing, single-family homes, attached residences, and multi-family units, as well as space set aside for commercial shops and services. There’s also room for professional and medical offices. Wellen Park hasn’t stopped growing yet; developers are saying the community will eventually top out at 22,000 homes, with over 60,000 people living there.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. applied for the project, with Kelley Klepper leading their efforts. Myakka River Club and Timber Forest Ranch, two limited partnerships, own the 743-acre property, which sits south of South Tamiami Trail, nestled between South River Road and the Myakka River. The new development will border Lake Geraldine and Playmore neighborhoods on both sides of East River Road, just north of Myakka State Forest.
City officials state the plan calls for 1,875 residential units. The project also includes up to 400,000 square feet for retail and services, plus 100,000 square feet for professional and medical offices. They have marked 42 acres for preservation out of the 276 acres of wetlands present. Officials say that covers most of the wetlands onsite.
Developers designed the layout around existing wetlands and environmental features, such as the Myakka River corridor. The land joined North Port in 2000, with a land use change to “village” zoning in 2004, and a final rezoning in 2016. This “village” zoning allows for mixed-use neighborhoods, commercial and office blocks, civic buildings, schools, and environmental conservation, all under one large-scale plan.
The City Commission voted 4-1 in favor of the plan, attaching conditions laid out by city staff. Commissioner Demetrius Petrow dissented and explained his vote with worries about the environmental impact.
Public commenter Robin San Vicente spoke up about concerns too. “This particular area is extremely sensitive,” she said, acknowledging the developers’ stronger mitigation efforts but still fearing damage. “There is going to be some harm done to the environment and to the Myakka River. I don’t understand why we keep allowing such developments to override our environment. At some point we have to say no.”
