During the public comment period, Kimberly Newcomb, who identified herself as an Eustis resident living behind the new 7-Eleven site at Abrams and Orange, described construction activity she says has made her family's life difficult.

Newcomb said heavy equipment has been operating as early as 4:30 a.m., that bright construction lighting "shines directly into multiple bedrooms" despite blackout curtains, and that the disturbance has disrupted her children's sleep. She also said prospective home buyers have walked away from offers because of the nearby 7-Eleven and that previous assurances by the city have not resolved the problems.

Mayor Hawkins and staff responded from the dais. City staff acknowledged they had been in contact with the developer and the building official had told the developer not to conduct construction prior to 7 a.m. Staff said the contractor had told the building official it would not start work before 7 a.m., but Newcomb said the 4:30 a.m. work occurred two days earlier. Staff said the developer has been "very good to work with" and that landscaping and additional buffering could be negotiated once the site reaches the landscaping phase. The building official indicated the site is still an active construction site and needs certain lighting for safety while construction continues.

Commissioners asked staff to compile and send Newcomb a written summary of the city's efforts and contacts with the developer. Staff said the city would prepare and email a summary of actions and would continue communications with the developer (seven-eleven) and the property representative.

Ending: The commission did not take formal action but directed staff to summarize prior and ongoing contacts with the developer and to continue enforcement and negotiation on construction hours, landscaping and photometrics as the project moves into landscaping.