EUSTIS, Fla. – Too much, too fast! Eustis is pumping the brakes on a proposed development that could bring more than 250 new homes to the city. The project has sparked concerns from residents who say the area’s roads and infrastructure are already struggling.
Eustis city leaders have tabled a vote on a proposed housing development that could bring hundreds of new homes off Eustis Airport Road. The decision comes after several residents showed up at this week’s meeting to voice concerns about the project, including its impact on State Road 44B.
The proposal would have brought 18 single-family homes and about 230 townhomes to land near the airport at State Road 44 and Eustis Airport Road—something residents say the area’s infrastructure isn’t ready for. “I believe the commissioners acted appropriately because I don’t believe the developer made the case that they should proceed,” said Eustis resident Mark Bobick.
Another major concern is State Road 44B. Residents worry that if the development moves forward, the roadway will become even more congested. “When I try to get out of my driveway or our entryway, it’s already backed up all the way down to Waycross, which is well over a half mile,” said Eustis resident BJ McCarthy. Right now, there are no plans to widen this stretch of road until at least 2033.
Yasamin Rahmanparast with Mid-Florida Airport, who’s family own’s the Eustis Airport property, asked the council to delay its decision, saying the staff presentation was incomplete.
“The staff who presented the report only showed an abbreviated version of our project. It didn’t include all of the information you expected to receive in your overview, so I don’t think it’s fair to make a decision tonight,” the property owner said.
McCarthy says residents aren’t necessarily opposed to development but wants to see infrastructure addressed first.
“There’s nothing wrong with it being developed. It’s just a matter of how, when, and where the infrastructure will be in place, and how the City of Eustis will handle it,” he said.
The vote has been tabled until December.