by Marty Proctor
In a surprise move Thursday night, Groveland Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the Indigo Lakes development. This development is proposing 400+ homes on 66 net acres within a 165-acre parcel. The site of the development is the former “Mansion” property east of Villa City Road (CR565A) on Lake Lucy. The development had been returned to P&Z for further consideration after the first presentation to City Council on February 18.
There were several local residents who raised objections to the development. A neighboring resident raised concerns about the removal of trees surrounding their property and the impending 21 homes adjacent to their home. Others voiced issues with the high density of the project which is dominated by 40 and 50-foot width lots which was echoed by board members as well. Issues with the timing of road enhancements and safe accommodations for students were raised. Concerns were heard about the loss of transition between the south adjoining subdivisions with larger lots and setbacks and the substantially more rural land and development further north in the Villa City area.
The developer and City Planning highlighted the many enhancements to the existing PUD that have been negotiated throughout recent months. These include a 4-acre hilltop park embedded in the center of the development overlooking Lake Lucy and the surrounding area. The developer has also promised in writing to provide a bike trail across the 7000-foot frontage of the development on busy Villa City Road as well as a quieter public accessible trail within the development. The developers and legal representative presented their vision for the community and the enhancements at the meeting.
The next step in the process to consider the development will be a return to the Groveland City Council for further debate and a final vote. Both the City Council and City Staff welcome public comment and participation in the process.
The agenda for the March 16 City Council meeting at 7 pm at the Puryear Building, downtown Groveland is posted HERE: https://groveland-fl.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162020-885 .
The Indigo Lakes PUD amendment portion of the agenda pack starts on page 89. It is recommended that those interested in attending check the agenda just prior to the meeting. The developer has the option to voluntarily postpone the agenda item to a later meeting.
Marty Proctor is a writer for the South Lake Tablet covering Groveland and the surrounding area. His primary interests are the local impact of city and county government, local growth management, tracking area charitable groups and sharing factual information. Marty is a long-time resident on Lake Emma north of Groveland doing public information consulting, social media marketing and freelance writing as well as fishing, bowling, and caring for wife Julie and dachshund Georgia.
