The housing development project, proposed by Habitat for Humanity, garnered particular attention. The board’s approval paves the way for the creation of a small neighborhood with eight single-family units located on Penn Street and Habitat Drive. The city staff supported the proposal, as it aligns with the city’s growth management plan and meets the requirements of Florida statutes for small-scale comprehensive plan amendments. The comprehensive plan amendment involved changing the land use from General Commercial to Low-Density Residential, while the zoning amendment changed from City of Leesburg C3 to Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD).

City staff’s presentation included exhibits such as maps, photos, and texts, and the departmental review summary, which incorporated feedback from various city departments and the Lake County government. The proposed infill project would feature eight detached single-family units, dark sky compliant lighting, lot sizes ranging from 5,700 to 7,500 square feet, standard setbacks, and a requirement for a solid fence adjacent to any commercial property. The project also commits to preserving 35% open space and adhering to other standard PUD requirements, such as prohibiting St. Augustine grass and the use of BPA.

Public Works did voice reluctance in taking over the roads within the subdivision. One property owner raised concerns that eight homes might be too dense for the site, yet the city staff provided clarification that the gross density is lower than that of previously approved projects in the area.

Danielle Stoud from Habitat for Humanity assured the board that the development would integrate well with the existing neighborhood and contribute positively to its upliftment. After considering all aspects of the project, including lot sizes, sidewalk inclusion, and parking spaces, the board voted in favor of the amendments.

Additionally, the board addressed a request for a conditional use permit for a private school to be situated within the R2 medium-density residential zoning district on South KN Street. This case generated discussion on the impact on traffic and the capacity of existing schools. The board reviewed the anticipated traffic flow, comparing it favorably to the current traffic generated by medical and dental offices in the area. Emphasis was also placed on parking availability and the building size, which inherently limits the number of students that can be accommodated.

The process involved a public hearing, where the planning and zoning department presented relevant maps and photos, along with feedback received from surrounding property owners. In response to a concern about increased traffic and the capacity of existing schools, the board concluded that the private school would likely result in a lower traffic volume. Upon deliberation, the board recommended approval of the additional use permit.

The discussion about the private school also included debate over whether the conditional use permit should apply to a single building or the entire property. This was due to concerns about the potential for future expansion and increased traffic. The debate concluded with the board voting to tie the permit to the entire property to better manage future implications.

The meeting was also marked by the postponement of discussions regarding several cases, including the Silver Springs large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and the Shore Acres Landing plan unit development. These cases were deferred due to scheduling conflicts and neighborhood meetings, with the Silver Springs cases postponed to July 18th.