Marion County residents voice concerns over Chestnut Hill development plan traffic and compatibility

The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on August 25, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding land use and zoning in the area, particularly focusing on a proposed development project that has drawn local opposition.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the zoning classifications of properties in the vicinity of the proposed development. Residents expressed their commitment to maintaining the agricultural character of their community, emphasizing that their properties are zoned as A-1, general agriculture. One resident highlighted their investment in agricultural activities, such as cattle farming, and underscored the protections afforded to them under the Florida Right to Farm Act. They argued that any new development should include adequate buffers to mitigate potential conflicts between agricultural practices and residential living.

Concerns were raised about the proposed density of the new development, which seeks to build 151 units on a site that previously had a lower density approval. Residents pointed out that the previous Chestnut Hill Planned Unit Development (PUD) had been more compatible with the surrounding area, providing privacy and lower impacts. They argued that the current proposal is significantly more intrusive, with inadequate buffering measures compared to earlier plans.

Traffic issues were also a major point of contention. Residents noted that the existing traffic situation, particularly near a local school, is already problematic. They expressed fears that the addition of 151 units would exacerbate congestion, blocking access to their properties and creating safety concerns for school traffic.

Another resident clarified that their property, which is directly north of the proposed project, is currently zoned A-1 and not an expired PUD, as previously stated. They acknowledged the county's efforts to correct past mistakes regarding zoning classifications and expressed hope for continued improvements in the planning process.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider the compatibility of the proposed development with existing agricultural uses and to prioritize the concerns of local residents regarding traffic and land use impacts. The commission's next steps will likely involve further review of the proposal and consideration of community feedback.