Leesburg plans major zoning changes amid community concerns

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed development project located on the north side of Dewey Robbins Road, east of US 27, which involves a change in land use and zoning. The request seeks to alter the future land use designation from Lake County Bridal to City of Leesburg Estate Residential, alongside a rezoning from Lake County A Agriculture to City of Leesburg Small Planned Unit Development (SPUD).

Max Van Allen, a city planner, presented detailed maps and aerial images of the property, highlighting its proximity to surrounding land uses, which include neighborhood mixed-use areas and estate residential zones. The proposed future land use aims for low-density residential development, while the existing zoning is primarily agricultural.

The project is currently outside city boundaries but falls within the Leesburg Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement (ISBA). The city’s electric department noted that the area is outside its service zone, but other departments indicated they have the capacity to support the proposed development. However, the Lake County School Board emphasized that the project must undergo a school concurrency review to ensure adequate educational facilities are available for future residents.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding the potential for retail development in an area predominantly surrounded by single-family homes. These concerns were acknowledged by city staff, who indicated that the Planning Commission has options to address these issues as the project progresses.

Additionally, the Lake County Public Works Department outlined requirements for the development, including the addition of turn lanes on Dewey Robbins Road and the installation of sidewalks along the road's frontage. The project will continue to be reviewed as it moves through the planning process, with further discussions anticipated in future meetings.