A point of discussion was the comprehensive plan update, which is important for guiding the city’s development until 2045. The comprehensive plan, referred to as the “comp plan,” is a detailed document outlining future land use, transportation, housing, and environmental conservation. The plan is legally binding and must be updated every ten years. The latest update includes a new future land use category called Sunnyside Estates and various zoning changes aligned with recent legal disputes and studies. The plan aims to ensure sustainable growth and compliance with state regulations. The approval process for the comprehensive plan is scheduled to conclude in December, with a 30-day challenge period allowing for public objections before it becomes official in January 2025.

The commission also discussed two development proposals. The first involved Blue Ridge Storage, which requested a small-scale comprehensive plan map amendment and a planned unit development (PUD) zoning change. The proposal included annexing and rezoning approximately 10.02 acres for use as a mini warehouse and storage facility. The property is located on the west side of US Highway 27, north of El Presidente Boulevard, and adjacent to the Spanish Village neighborhood. The zoning change aims to amend the land use designation from Lake County Urban Low Density to City of Leesburg General Commercial.

The senior planner presented detailed maps and aerial exhibits illustrating the property’s location, highlighting the presence of wetlands and flood zones. Public notification procedures were followed, with no comments received from surrounding property owners. The planning and zoning department recommended approval, citing the project’s compatibility with existing land use and zoning designations. The commission unanimously approved the comprehensive plan amendment and the PUD zoning request.

The second development proposal, Lake Brig Hurst, involved annexing and rezoning approximately 208 acres on County Road 33 for the future development of 518 detached single-family units. This request aimed to change the future land use designation from Lake County Rural to City of Leesburg Estate Residential, with a PUD zoning change. The proposal included a substantial density of 2.48 units per acre, with planned lot sizes of 50 and 60 feet in width.

A comprehensive presentation outlined the project’s details, including aerial maps and surrounding land use. Lake County Public Works provided significant feedback, requiring turn lanes on County Road 33 and emphasizing the need for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity within the development. A full traffic impact analysis was mandated, and concerns about stormwater management were raised to protect surrounding properties and roadways.

The community expressed strong opposition to the Lake Brig Hurst development. Residents voiced concerns about increased traffic, property values, and the overall impact on their quality of life. William Robertson, a local resident, highlighted privacy issues and the inadequacy of proposed fencing. He urged the commission to consider requiring a concrete wall to ensure safety and maintain property values. Gerald Robinson, another resident, recounted his long-standing issues with debris from the nearby road and expressed concerns about the new homes overlooking his property. He suggested constructing a solid block wall for privacy and liability purposes.

The commission also discussed the need for a more permanent fencing solution to address concerns about dogs trespassing onto properties and safety for local livestock. Some residents preferred a natural setting with vegetative buffers or split rail fences, while others advocated for concrete walls.

The commission addressed the procedural aspects of the comprehensive plan update, debating whether to vote on the entire plan or provide recommendations. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the plan reflects current realities and serves the community’s needs. The meeting concluded with discussions on distributing meeting packets and ensuring effective communication.