Commission advances Heritage Ridge preliminary plat amid resident concerns over wetlands, runoff and a previous eagle‑nest removal

Planning staff presented a preliminary plat (PP2026‑009) for approximately 76 acres inside the Tivoli/Tuscany Village PDD, proposing 48 single‑family lots and two open‑space lots. Staff said average lot size is about 12,000 square feet, the smallest lot will be 10,000 square feet and the phase provides roughly 77% open space—well above the 15% requirement.

Multiple residents came forward in a public hearing to register concerns. Matt Dorkholtz urged denial and said the commission would be "rewarding the past bad behavior" related to a prior incident when a bald eagle nest on the parcel was destroyed; he asked whether, had the nest still existed, the plat would have been approved. "By approving this plat and development of this property, you would be rewarding the past bad behavior of all the parties who have been involved with this development," Dorkholtz said, urging the commission to deny approval and to impose penalties.

Other neighbors asked detailed questions about stormwater runoff, the floodplain and whether the subdivision would increase flooding in downstream Saugahatchee Creek. Randy Meadows asked how the applicant would prevent cleared soils from washing into the creek. Alan Meyer asked which FEMA floodplain map the city used and whether the proposed map differs materially from the previous map.

Watershed and engineering staff responded: the city requires developers to submit wetland delineations and stream identifications as part of the design and construction manual; the watershed division evaluates stream buffers and erosion and sediment controls, and staff enforces best‑management practices during construction. Engineering staff said the city is using the accepted 2025 FEMA flood map and confirmed that lots identified near wetlands would have to meet elevation or other requirements; if a developer wants to change the FEMA map for a property, they must submit a conditional letter of map revision.

Sam Leslie of Door Development, the applicant, said his firm is early in due diligence and has the property under contract; he said clearing limits will generally follow the floodplain and that buffers will remain wooded where shown on the plan. Leslie said the developer has not yet negotiated with the HOA and that construction entrances, hours and detailed grading will be determined during design and DRT review.

After staff and applicant responses and additional commissioner questioning about access and off‑site impacts, a motion to approve the preliminary plat (PC case PP2026‑009) passed on a voice vote.