Submitted by The Team at Keep Clermont Rural
Most of you are aware that the sand mining industry filed for a comp plan amendment to expand their operations in the Green Swamp. We have some good news on that issue, but first, we need to ask for your help to stop additional development from suffocating our quality of life.
There are currently TWO large subdivisions planned for the area near 561 and Lakeshore Drive. Collectively, these would bring 380 homes and thousands of car trips per day to the already dangerously congested Lakeshore corridor. The first of these projects, named Lake Nellie Crossing is up for a final decision by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) TOMORROW, Tuesday, June 22. The project will add 102 houses behind the church near the Vista Grande subdivision. We need your help explaining to the Commission how the impact from additional subdivisions will impact the quality of life in the area. Tuesday is especially important because the same law firm and consultants are supporting a separate project for 287 more houses between Little Lake Nellie and 561. While the second project, named Saddlebrook, has not formally filed its application, they are carefully watching the outcome of Lake Nellie before proceeding.
Please take a moment to use the link below and send an email to the Commission letting them know why you oppose more subdivisions being squeezed into the Lakeshore Corridor. Please also do your best to attend the commission meeting tomorrow in Tavares or attend via Zoom. The meeting is at 9:00 am in the round building.
We urge you to use your voice TODAY to encourage your elected officials to vote NO on amending the Comprehensive Plan to relax restrictions on mining in the Green Swamp by clicking on this link to email your County Commissioners! If you have trouble getting the link to work, you can send a manual email to:
Commissioner Shields – DShields@lakecountyfl.gov
Commissioner Campione – LCampione@lakecountyfl.gov
Commissioner Parks – SParks@lakecountyfl.gov
Commissioner Smith – KSmith@lakecountyfl.gov
Commissioner Blake – JBlake@lakecountyfl.gov
Now for the good news – the sand miners have withdrawn their application! After seeing broad community outcry, resolutions of opposition from several municipalities in South Lake, and facing outspoken opposition within the Commission itself, the miners have chosen to withdraw for now. Of course, the mining industry is well funded, and will almost certainly return once they have a more favorable Commission landscape.
Please take a moment to thank the commissioners who showed the strength and leadership to stand against this proposal (Commissioners Shields, Parks, and Smith). As always, please help raise awareness and share this email with your friends, neighbors, and social media contacts.
Thanks to everyone for paying attention and staying engaged!
The team at Keep Clermont Rural
keepclermontrural@gmail.com
