A focal point of the meeting was the approval of a conditional use permit for the West Main Recreation facility. The proposed development, planned for a 3.2-acre site on West Main Street, aims to establish a multi-use recreation and meeting center, adhering to the C3 Highway Commercial zoning district’s regulations. The planning department, represented by Melissa Melos Santos, underscored the alignment of the project with city codes, citing no adverse impacts on surrounding properties and compliance with Leesburg’s comprehensive plan. The proposal also required the building to be constructed above the base flood elevation to address flood zone concerns, with options for compensatory storage or retention ponds.

During public comments, a representative from a nearby bowling center voiced concerns about potential confusion and safety risks arising from shared access points. The representative emphasized the need for a barrier, such as a fence or speed bumps, to prevent customers from inadvertently using the bowling center’s parking lot. This concern highlighted the need for clear separation between the properties to protect customers, particularly seniors, from safety hazards and congestion.

Board members deliberated on the necessity of maintaining cross-access between properties, a requirement under the city’s comprehensive plan. A compromise was reached to include a five-foot landscape buffer, potentially featuring a curb to guide traffic, without completely closing access points. The planning staff noted the challenge of completely restricting access due to cross-access regulations but suggested that strategic landscaping could delineate the properties effectively. A motion to approve the conditional use permit with these amendments was passed unanimously.

The board also addressed a rezoning request from Two Boats Investments LLC for a 1.22-acre property on 14th Street, south of Howard Drive. The owner proposed a transition from Lake County C1 neighborhood commercial zoning to City of Leesburg C3 Highway commercial zoning, intending to develop a 3,000 square foot warehouse. The proposal included a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment to align the property’s designation with the city’s growth management plan. Planner Max Van Allen presented maps and data supporting the proposal’s compatibility with surrounding land uses and existing zoning districts.

Doug Wade, representing the property owner, explained plans to relocate his surveying business to the site, noting that current tenants in the office building, situated on month-to-month leases, would vacate. Following a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved both the comprehensive plan amendment and the rezoning request.

In other business, the board postponed discussions on the “Venice at Lake Harris” item, moving forward with the meeting’s agenda. The board members received printed copies of the newly approved City of Leesburg comprehensive plan. The meeting concluded with lighthearted remarks about a potential quiz on the comprehensive plan and commendations for the planning staff’s dedication, with jesting references to salary adjustments as a token of appreciation.