A supermarket and workforce housing project in Tavernier took another step forward on April 28, as county commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a development agreement during a special meeting in Marathon.
A pact between the developers, Blackstone Group Tavernier 925 LLC and VC Tavernier LLC, and the county includes specific details and commitments regarding the development. Plans are in place to construct a 47,240-square-foot Publix supermarket and a 2,100-square-foot liquor store at the front of the property at MM 92.5, oceanside. Developers can’t build a nonresidental structure beyond 49,900 square feet, per the Tavernier Commercial Overlay District that was formed via the commission’s approval in February 2024.
Devin Tolpin, senior director of planning and environmental resources, told commissioners the developers are using 99.6% of the maximum development potential on the site.
Behind the Publix, the Jacksonville-based Vestcor Companies is planning to build 86 housing units, from one-bed/one-bathroom to three-bed/two-bathroom apartments, intended for the local workforce.
Per the development agreement, a certificate of occupancy for the commercial structure, the supermarket and liquor store, won’t be issued until half of the 86 workforce housing units obtain a temporary certificate of occupancy.
Once constructed, the workforce dwelling units must be made available to essential Monroe County workers — law enforcement, healthcare personnel, firefighters and teachers — 30 days before they’re available for lease by the general public. Commissioner Holly Raschein, who voted in favor of the agreement, requested employees of the judicial court system also be added in as essential workers.
Bart Smith, attorney representing the applicants, said they’re implementing recommendations by the Monroe County Planning Commission for a vegetative buffer between the back of the supermarket and a nearby apartment building. Smith said pigeon plums and buttonwoods will be planted between the buildings. Two pocket parks were also added for those living in the apartments.
A traffic study revealed more than 5,300 daily vehicle trips entering and leaving the property, including customers frequenting Publix and residents coming and going from their apartments. An outside traffic consultant who produced a report on behalf of the Tavernier Community Association told planning commission members on April 17 that the proposed development and traffic generated from it would create “hazardous conditions and create accidents.” Miles Moss, a professional engineer, said a traffic light would be needed at the location. The Florida Department of Transportation has the authority to determine whether one will be warranted as a result of the development.
Discussion by the planning commission also heard concerns over how trucks traveling south and bringing goods into the Publix supermarket would enter the property from the northbound lanes of U.S. 1. There were concerns as to how vehicles leaving the development would navigate two lanes of northbound traffic, a bike lane and vehicles using a turn lane to enter the property.
County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, who voted “yes,” said workforce housing is one of her major priorities.
“I have to say we approve more than we go to ribbon-cuttings on. We approve them, then they need an extension because it’s expensive and there’s a lot of red tape to get through,” Lincoln said. “This is a project that we’re going to see through to a ribbon-cutting and getting people into some apartments.”
Lincoln and Mayor Jim Scholl also noted how the supermarket size was reduced from the original 64,000-square-foot structure in April 2022.
“There’s been a lot of adjustments to the plan,” Scholl said.
Raschein said the project will keep essential workers and their families in the local community.
She also expressed her excitement about Publix in Tavernier.
The lone dissenting vote was cast by Commissioner Craig Cates.
“I think at the end of the day, we’re going to get the best we can out of this situation for the community. But I’m still concerned about the traffic,” he said. “The study says there are too many trips, and I’m not sure if the mitigation is going to be successful.”
Developers will need to secure a major conditional use permit approval from the planning commission before proceeding with construction.
