Wendell approves annexation for 304-acre ‘Haven at Wendell’ 55+ community; developer commits expanded stormwater, park and roadway improvements

WENDELL — The Wendell Board of Commissioners voted to annex and rezone about 304.06 acres for the Haven at Wendell, a revised Lennar proposal retooled as a 55-and-older community and reduced to 793 dwelling units from an earlier 931-unit proposal.

The board approved the ordinance and a companion development agreement in November, with a 4–1 vote on the rezoning and unanimous approval of the development agreement that formalizes public benefits including a turnkey roughly 10-acre town park, nearly a mile of public greenway, enhanced stormwater controls and off-site transportation improvements. Collier Marsh, an attorney for the applicant, told the board the changes were made after “50 different meetings” with stakeholders and that the project was redesigned to address resident concerns.

Why it matters: The package ties land-use change to substantial infrastructure investments. Town staff recommended approval, citing plan consistency, and Lennar’s commitments include enhanced stormwater measures beyond typical local standards, roadway improvements tied to a traffic-impact analysis (TIA), and utility…