The meeting saw an impassioned response from the Leesburg Shuffleboard Club members, who expressed strong opposition to the proposal to repurpose their courts for housing developments. The shuffleboard community argued that the courts have been a vital part of the community since at least 1985 and serve as a key recreational and social venue, particularly for seniors. Several residents detailed the cultural and economic importance of the courts, emphasizing their role in hosting tournaments that attract visitors and generate revenue for the city. They advocated for preserving the existing facilities or relocating them to an alternative site if redevelopment proceeds.

Concerns were also raised about the city’s proposed transfer of the shuffleboard courts to Forward Paths, with the potential for the site to be transformed into tiny homes or similar housing developments. A proposal to create a warranty deed that would ensure the property remains designated for its intended use, without the possibility of transfer, was discussed. The deed would require substantial development within five years, failing which ownership would revert to the city.

Members of the shuffleboard community, including Charles Wood and Lily Deloer, emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in handling the property transfer. They urged the commission to consider the potential for discrimination lawsuits if one nonprofit were favored over others and highlighted the shuffleboard courts’ historical significance. Concerns about conflicts of interest among commissioners were also raised, with calls for clearer guidelines to prevent any perceived conflicts.

In contrast, Jacob Bonning and Lauren Richie, representing Forward Paths, questioned the validity of the shuffleboard club’s membership claims and the necessity of their facilities. They expressed gratitude for the city’s openness to new developments and stressed the importance of transparency in evaluating membership statistics.

Affordable housing was another topic, with speakers highlighting the plight of children transitioning out of foster care and the general lack of affordable housing in Leesburg. A speaker noted the increase in children being housed from 22 to 42 in a year and the challenges posed by the area’s high living costs. Emphasizing the need for quick action, they clarified misconceptions about a specific property development.

The meeting also addressed the potential relocation of the shuffleboard courts as part of the affordable housing initiative. Sharon Wild, a shuffleboard club member, criticized the proposed site as insufficient for addressing the broader housing issue and urged the commission to consider alternative properties. Carol Halur echoed these sentiments, advocating for renovating and expanding the existing courts to include new recreational activities, such as cornhole and bocce ball, rather than relocating them.

In addition to the shuffleboard and housing issues, the commission discussed a resolution to outsource school crossing guards to All City Management Services and a land purchase related to the Susan Street project. The outsourcing proposal included a contract with a termination clause allowing the city to cancel on 60 days’ notice. The land purchase aimed to resolve access issues to the park at a cost well above market value, which raised questions about oversight and management processes.

Furthermore, the meeting touched on procedural aspects related to proposed developments and tax exemptions. An ordinance concerning the local government’s decision to opt out of property tax exemptions under the “live local act” was introduced, with discussions on its potential benefits for the city. A series of ordinances for a commercial development project, including multi-family dwelling units and a convenience store with fueling stations, were also presented, with the need for more detailed presentations in future readings emphasized.

The commission briefly discussed the renewal of a lease for a CPA firm operating in an incubator space, highlighting the challenge of balancing support for startups with the needs of established businesses. The discussion revealed varying perspectives on the purpose of incubators and the appropriate terms for lease renewals.

Tensions among commissioners were evident, particularly regarding oversight of city infrastructure and decision-making processes in project planning. Public comments emphasized the importance of retaining the shuffleboard courts and enhancing recreational offerings, with calls for community collaboration and transparency in handling these issues.