The board reviewed case SPUD 24284, which involved changing the land use from Lake County Rural to City of Leesburg Estate Residential and a rezoning from Lake County Agriculture to City of Leesburg SPUD. The development proposal included specifications for the townhomes, such as minimum lot widths, setbacks, and unit sizes, alongside a requirement for open space allocation. Despite compliance with Florida statutes and the city’s comprehensive plan, the retail component of the development faced considerable neighborhood resistance.

Residents like Joyce Graham and James Matthew Rail voiced their objections during the public comments. Graham highlighted traffic issues on Highway 27 and argued for commercial development to be sited along major highways, preserving the residential nature of the area. Rail, who raises cattle in the vicinity, emphasized his deep-rooted connection to the rural setting and expressed concerns over the townhomes disrupting the lifestyle he cherishes.

The board acknowledged these concerns, with planning staff suggesting the potential elimination of retail from the project. The staff recognized that while some retail, such as medical and personal services, could benefit the community, the strong opposition from residents needed careful consideration. The board members were urged to balance the developer’s interests with the community’s preferences, with retail development being a critical point of contention.

In a move reflecting the community’s stance, the board unanimously voted to recommend disapproval of both the development and its retail components. This decision will be forwarded to the city commission, which holds the final authority on the matter. The commission is scheduled to review the recommendations in upcoming meetings.

In another notable case, the board addressed a variance request from Nobles Marine to increase the height of their sign from the permitted 12 feet to 20 feet. Located south of US 441, Nobles Marine has been a longstanding presence in the boat sales and service industry. The existing sign, damaged and deteriorating, stands at 30 to 35 feet. Sharon Nobles explained that a shorter sign would necessitate moving the fence line, impacting their display area. The board approved the variance, highlighting that it aligned with the zoning ordinance’s intent and would support the business’s economic vitality without adverse impacts on surrounding properties.

The board also discussed another variance request for In Charge Electric, concerning a setback reduction to allow the construction of a 1,500-square-foot warehouse. Despite the board’s approval, public opposition emerged, with concerns about traffic congestion and the aesthetic impact on the community. Anthony Washington and Alvin Smith highlighted the potential negative effects on nearby properties, including a school and a Masonic lodge. The applicant, James Brush, sought to assure the board that the development complied with regulations and would not exacerbate traffic issues.

Lastly, the board voted to recommend approval for a rezoning proposal on Sleepy Hollow Road, changing the designation from Lake County Urban to City of Leesburg’s Sunnyside Estates medium density. This would allow for the construction of eight single-family units. The board noted the proposal’s compatibility with surrounding land uses and its alignment with the city’s growth management plan.