LEESBURG, Fla. – Residents living near County Road 44 in Leesburg’s Silver Lake area are speaking out against a proposed residential development they say could worsen traffic, flooding, and other issues in their neighborhood.
The proposal calls for 23 single-family homes to be built on approximately 10 acres behind an existing neighborhood. Ahead of the project’s final vote, neighbors gathered over the weekend to discuss their concerns and prepare to address city leaders during Monday’s meeting.
Homeowner Josh Williams said the additional homes would bring more than just new neighbors.
“Twenty-three more homes doesn’t just mean 23 more vehicles,” Williams said. “It can mean 46 or even more vehicles.”
Residents say the proposed project is the latest in a series of developments transforming the area. They argue County Road 44, a two-lane roadway, is already struggling to handle increasing traffic, with another housing development currently under construction across the street.
Williams also expressed concerns about traffic speeds and safety.
“It’s ridiculous out here,” he said. “I can pull out here onto the highway, and it’s not 50. It’s 70 miles an hour trying to catch up to things or people.”
In addition to traffic, some homeowners say they are worried about flooding.
One resident, who declined to appear on camera, showed red sediment that had washed into his driveway following heavy rainfall. He believes runoff from the nearby construction site contributed to the problem.
Leesburg resident Anna Martinez also shared video showing flooding concerns in the area. She said changes in elevation from nearby developments could increase the risk of flooding on surrounding properties.
“They’re elevating the land,” Martinez said. “So by elevating the land at 44 and what’s happening at Morningside Reserve, we’re very concerned about our property getting flooded now, which I’ve never been flooded.”
Neighbors also voiced concerns about the potential impact additional development could have on local wildlife.
Residents who attended the proposal’s first reading in June say they plan to return for Monday’s final vote to share their concerns directly with city leaders and the developer before a decision is made.