Trustees reject rezoning for 33-acre Borba Bush proposal after split recommendation and public opposition

Trustees of the Village of Four Seasons voted on a motion to rezone a 33.37-acre parcel (referred to in the hearing as the Borba Bush property) from R-1 to R-2 and the motion failed after a roll call on which several trustees voted "no." The rezoning application had come to the trustees after a planning-and-zoning public hearing and a split 3-3 commission recommendation.

Daryl Barber, chair of the planning-and-building commission, read the commission's findings and noted the record included six written oppositions and public hearing testimony raising concerns about traffic, short-term rentals, and impacts to existing lake views. Barber summarized the planning hearing straw poll as nine in favor and 13 opposed and told trustees the commission's recommendation was tied.

Developer Mark Kelly and project partners presented the request as a long-term investment that the team said was designed to "protect existing neighbors" by concentrating multifamily development near the water's edge rather than spreading density across the site. Kelly said the proposal anticipates approximately 350 condominium units and that construction would be phased over about 4.5 years. "Progress is really quiet, but responsible growth done deliberately, transparently, and with rules strengthens the community," Kelly said.

Residents and neighborhood representatives urged caution. A Treetop Village board representative read a letter saying the materials provided lacked sufficient detail, topographical exhibits were illegible for the audience, and that a dense wall of multistory condominiums would fundamentally alter the character and views of a 46-year-old community. "Decisions regarding this development will have permanent and far-reaching consequences," the letter stated.

Trustees debated legal and practical consequences of rezoning. Todd Miller, appearing remotely as legal counsel, reminded trustees that the planning-and-zoning panel is advisory: approving rezoning would allow any development consistent with R-2 standards unless trustees require a planned-unit-development (PUD) with enforceable conditions. Miller said the board should consider whether the application provided enough specifics to justify rezoning or whether the developer should return with a PUD.

After discussion a trustee moved to approve rezoning from R-1 to R-2; the motion was seconded and put to roll call. The clerk recorded multiple "No" responses and the chair declared the motion did not pass. Trustees and counsel said the developers could return with a more detailed PUD or revised application if they wish. The trustees did not adopt any conditions at this meeting.