TAVARES, Fla. – People living in Tavares say they’re concerned about a drastic change to the area after learning about the proposal of a large development south of Lake Dora.
A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss options for a possible mixed use residential and commercial development for a property located on County Roads 561 and 448.
The proposed area includes hundreds of acres of land owned by Far Reach Ranch, which is a U-pick farm and event space.
People who live near the proposed site said they’re worried about an increase in traffic that could come from more homes.
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“It’s getting to where they’re just building up everywhere,” Betty Nemeth said. “The more people that come in here, it’s just going to get worse and worse.”
It’s the second time this year that there’s been talk of a farm selling to developers.
In February, Lake County commissioners discussed the Long & Scott Farms 700-acre property, which was under contract for a proposed residential development.
There are hundreds of people coming into Central Florida everyday," Tavares resident Milton Rose said. “I guess real estate is more valuable than the farms.”
While there are no formal plans for the latest proposal in Tavares, homeowners were concerned about what could be a strain on the small town’s infrastructure.
“I retired for this piece and quiet. I don’t think it will be (quiet) if this goes through. It’s going to change everything with my life,” Nemeth said.
Thursday’s community meeting is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Tavares Civic Center located at 100 East Caroline Street.