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Commission hears extensive public opposition, lays over Old Mill PUD annexation and rezoning to June 9
Summary
Neighbors raised flooding, wetlands and access concerns over a proposed 142‑unit Old Mill subdivision; the commission held first reading and agreed to lay the item over to June 9 for further review and alternatives on access and mitigation.
The Leesburg City Commission on April 28 held first reading on a proposed annexation and planned unit development known as Old Mill, a 37.48-acre project that would add 142 single-family units and townhomes, and postponed final action until its June 9 meeting.
Dan Miller, planning and zoning director, told the commission the proposal would annex the property east of Radio Road and north of U.S. 441, change the future land use to City Estate, and rezone to a PUD to allow 110 detached single-family homes and 32 attached townhomes. Miller summarized the PUD standards: lot sizes include 67 lots at about 6,000 square feet and 43 lots at about 7,200 square feet, a required 35% open-space minimum, a minimum 28,400-square-foot recreation area, dark‑sky lighting standards and an 8‑foot masonry wall proposed along the access road.
The applicant, Logan Opsal of Lowndes Canner, said the proposal would cap density at four dwelling units per acre — lower than county allowances — and acknowledged the property has limited legal access and extensive wetlands. Opsal said the project team had considered alternative access options and would “work with the residents” but that, at present, the parcel the applicant owns provides the only clear route. He said the developer would “continue to diligently pursue alternative access points” and work with permitting agencies on wetlands mitigation.
More than a dozen residents spoke in opposition. Angela Chambliss, who lives in unincorporated Leesburg, told commissioners the project’s proposed road would be raised to meet flood rules and “they’re sitting on our back patios and our pool decks,” saying the project would reduce privacy and depress property values. Other speakers raised similar concerns about increased runoff, wetlands filling, noise and the maintenance of dual retaining walls.
Several residents and speakers suggested alternative access routes closer to Radio Road or across privately owned strips near the mall that the applicant said are not currently available to them. The applicant acknowledged the alternatives had been explored and said one county parcel is not for sale and that a judicial remedy (an easement by necessity) could be pursued but would be “not preferred by anybody.”
Commissioners and staff noted additional reviews are required by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Lake County Public Works, which has requested left- and right-turn lanes and additional right-of-way. At the close of debate, the commission agreed to lay the item over to June 9 to allow more time for the applicant to pursue alternative access and for staff to review outstanding permitting and right-of-way issues.
Why it matters: The project would change county land to city jurisdiction, add 142 homes and require wetland permitting and new off-site roadwork. Neighbors said construction could worsen flooding and reduce privacy for adjacent subdivisions.
What’s next: The item is scheduled for continued review at the June 9 commission meeting; city staff said any administrative changes would require subsequent site‑plan review and permitting.
