During the meeting, a point of discussion was the proposed development of a golf course into residential units. The project, which includes 595 units, aims to transform the area with a mix of multifamily housing, single-family attached homes, villas, and townhomes. Bruce Moya, president of MBV Engineering, explained that the project’s design needed several waivers due to the property’s unique shape, resembling a golf course hole. He emphasized the necessity of waivers for minimum lot sizes and setbacks to allow for greater open space and fit within the elongated property constraints.

Residents voiced strong opposition, particularly concerning the project’s potential impact on flooding and traffic. A local resident expressed apprehension about increased flooding risks, stating, “When all this floods there will be a class action lawsuit.” They highlighted the dangers posed by retention ponds, especially regarding child safety and wildlife, including alligators. Another resident, Laura Mora, emphasized the importance of preserving the area’s character and expressed skepticism about the project’s ability to manage stormwater effectively.

Concerns over traffic were also prominent. Katie Delaney warned of the detrimental effects of adding over 1,200 vehicles to the neighborhood, potentially disrupting the lifestyle of long-term residents. Residents questioned the adequacy of traffic assessments and the capacity of local roads to handle increased traffic. The impact of the proposed development on London Town Road, the primary access point for the neighborhood, was a specific worry, with residents criticizing the developers for requesting waivers that could undermine existing zoning protections.

Flooding concerns were further exacerbated by the historical use of the golf course land. Faith Swanson pointed out that the stormwater drainage plan for the proposed development did not adequately address how increased runoff would be managed, potentially leading to flooding on her property and nearby areas. She noted that existing drainage systems could not accommodate the anticipated runoff, contrary to the developers’ claims of improvements.

Environmental safety was another significant issue raised during the meeting. Nathan Maloon, representing a concerned property owner, emphasized the issue of arsenic contamination from the nearby golf course. He urged the Commission to postpone the vote on the project until clear soil sample results could determine the extent of the arsenic contamination and its implications for surrounding properties. Maloon compared the situation to a similar case in St. Augustine, where dirt was used to cover contaminated soil.

Commissioner Goodson sought clarification from Maloon on whether his concerns were solely about arsenic or if there were broader issues with the development. Maloon acknowledged other concerns, particularly flooding. Another speaker, who works in landscaping and property services in the affected area, echoed these flooding worries, especially after Hurricane Ian caused overwhelming water accumulation. This speaker criticized the county for failing to address residents’ questions about infrastructure capacity, specifically regarding Carpenter Road.

The meeting also addressed a rezoning and land use change proposal that could result in a 200% increase in traffic on Gandy Road, a poorly maintained dirt road. The addition of 30 more residences raised significant safety and convenience concerns, particularly the potential traffic safety hazards for pedestrians due to the road’s narrowness and unstable condition from loose soil. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of communication about changes to the proposal, feeling unprepared to address the modified plan.

Concerns about the environmental implications of building over wetlands, which had already been disturbed, were also raised. Residents questioned the suitability of the land for the proposed number of homes and the potential impact on property values and community dynamics. The commission acknowledged the frustration and suggested postponing the decision to allow community members time to discuss the ramifications of the proposal further.

The discussion included a proposal from Ibraham and Haron Real Estate Inc. for a zoning change affecting 2.68 acres to develop a flex office space design. Concerns were raised about preserving natural buffers around existing homes and the impact on the local tree canopy. Commissioner Pritchett emphasized the importance of maintaining the existing tree canopy, and the applicant agreed to work with staff to ensure significant trees would be preserved.

As the meeting progressed, the commission addressed the need for more thorough communication and planning to ensure that community concerns were adequately addressed. There was a consensus on the need for more time for community engagement, particularly regarding the proposed developments’ impact on flooding, traffic, and environmental safety.