LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Mark another one down for the little guy. That’s how a group of homeowners is reacting after the Lake County Commission turned down a request from KB Home Orlando on Tuesday.
The developer was asking commissioners to approve plans to build 79 homes on a 40-acre parcel along Log House Road. The problem? Current zoning only allows 49 homes.
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In a packed Lake County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, residents voiced their concerns. In a 3-to-2 vote, Commissioners Anthony Sabatini, Sean Parks and Leslie Campione agreed with residents, denying KB Home’s request.
As News 6 first reported last week, it’s a battle neighbors have described as David vs. Goliath.
“The whole community is at real risk because everything gets flooded, everything will continue to flow downhill,” said neighbor Bill Decker.
Nearby residents tell News 6, the parcel is also on a 40 foot slope and they believe clearing the wooded land would lead to more flooding.
“During Hurricane Milton, we had that issue already. We had water come in towards our property already,” said neighbor Gail Cisneros.
Nearby residents are also worried the increased density would lead to traffic jams and problems for emergency vehicles.
Despite the vote, the battle is not necessarily over just yet. KB Home and the property owner can now sue the county, leaving taxpayers on the hook for legal fees and a judge could potentially green-light a future development.