Submitted February 13, 2007

Thank you for allowing me to speak to the LPA on the ninth. I am, however, more confused than ever.

I am old, I have seen some things... and it appears we are coming full circle. Years ago, we tried to stop urban sprawl and we did it by growing towns and cities from the center out. Now, it appears, when the last lot is sold in Howey, the next guy that wants the benefits of living in a city, has to buy at least 3 acres. If he doesn't show up for a few years, he will have to buy 5 acres, because all the 3 acre pieces will be gone. He will be perhaps miles from the city he wants to live in.

To perserve the rural lifestyle, I want to absorb as many people as possible on proper sized lots in the city. It is clear to me, that the immediate land adjacent to towns should be zoned for city use, SF4, for example. That would promote a developer buying the larger parcel, and continuing to build the city from the center out.

Worse, once a few 5 acres parcels have been randomly bought in an area, and houses built, the chance of a planned area community is forever gone. You can absorb 4,000 homes in 1200 acres, in a master planned community, as part of a town or you can absorb them over 20,000 acres. The people are coming. A man that takes a job at the local Chevrolet store, or bank, will want to live close to his work place. If all he can buy is a 5 acre piece, then that is what he will do.

That will not promote the rural lifestyle. I do not want 4,000, 5 acre ranches spread over 20,000 acres. I thought that is exactly what we do not want.

Have I missed something? Help me understand this.

Sincerely,

Richard Jeppesen
Rancher

Submitted January 23, 2007

Hi!  My name is Richard Jeppesen.  I own 250 acres of pasture right next to the town of Howey in the hills. Howey has advised they will allow SF4 zoning on this property if I will annex it into the town of Howey. It is the only direction Howey could ever expand to the West in the future. The LPA, apparently, wishes to leave it rural. I do not understand this “managed growth” idea. If you have say 4,000 residents moving into an area, the old idea was to keep them close together so as to limit road use, etc. Now, it appears instead of keeping 4,000 residents within a planned area development of say 1300 acres, this new idea promotes spreading the 4,000 Residents over 20,000 acres (1 unit per 5 acres).  The people are going to keep coming to Florida, our population is going to continue to grow.  It seems to me, managing growth this way is exactly what we do not want. I must not understand many things. May talk with you? I would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your ideas.

Please contact me either via e mail or call me when you have a chance.
Richard Jeppesen

Submitted January 8, 2007

Read an interesting article about City expansion in Lake County; "14 Cities to give input on planning." I live outside any City in Lake County. I am very, very concerned and quite opposed to "limitless" City expansion that is going on here. My BIGGEST concern is their unprofessionalism and lack of competence on planning issues. I STRONGLY URGE Lake County to try to slow this duplicate-governmental expansion if possible. Just a thought -- one way might be to require cities that expand to purchase, at current real value, all existing county roads (paved or unpaved); that might make hem pause, stop and think. Please do what you can. Thanks.

Louis Rossi

Submitted January 5, 2007

Dear Ms. Greaney:

I would like some information as to the zoning and FLU of the parcels in the attached picture. The parcels are located in the southwest corner of Limit Road and US 441. The attached picture is taken from your GIS. I own parcels with the following numbers:

1447160
1447127
1447178.

These properties are also known as Barbara's Restaurant. The FLUM is not very legible when you enlarge to view it, but I believe it is designated as residential, 7 du/ac.

The purpose of this email is request commercial zoning and FLU as part of the Comp Plan update. I understand I missed the deadline for staff review, however, I need to know the exact zoning and FLU before I can proceed intelligently. Please contact me at my work. I would also appreciate knowing the time of the January 18th meeting.

Sincerely,

Roland D. Magyar

Dear Council Members:

Please come and take a tour with me to discover the community of Ferndale.  Ferndale is a simple place that is characterized by its rural lifestyle and is recognized by its beautiful rolling hill topography.  Yes, Ferndale is home place to many, where among its residents; a country day can be filled with some of Florida’s finest wildlife, from bald eagles to red shoulder hawks and eastern bluebirds to the occasional foraging raccoon or possum.  In addition, Ferndale enjoys an agricultural influence with a three working tree farms and several areas with open pastures filled with cattle As you imagine this country setting, it is also important to note the historical influence of the area, which would take you through past cattle drives that originated from Jacksonville and then traveled through the lake Apopka basin, where cattle and horses were ferried across Lake Apopka to a campsite in Ferndale called Katie’s Landing.  So, imagine if you will, the men and cattle at rest before continuing the drive onward to the markets at the Port of Tampa.  I can imagine that this event, must have been filled by many Ferndale nights with campfire tales that saw the passing of times likened to those of a by gone era of Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn.  Indeed, in those days, dirt roads for horse and buggy were the norm and the old train rails that connected Winter Garden and Apopka, would carry local residents to the markets for farm supplies and sustenance.  These are some of the elements which make up my beloved Ferndale community and support the important historical merit that define and shape Lake Counties past. 

Now, before you, the Friends of Ferndale is organized and is pursuing the preservation of this area and is here today to engage the LPA for requesting the support of establishing the Ferndale community boundaries.  It is felt that the establishment and recognition of these boundaries will provide for a clear and distinct path for establishing a launch point for a concerted future planning effort with the same goals as the LPA comprehensive plan and the needs and desires of the local community.  I would strongly encourage the proposed Ferndale boundaries be adopted as part of the counties comprehensive plan in an effort to capture the intent of preserving this area and for preserving forever a part of Lake Counties heritage and beauty.

Furthermore, I would like to request that the LPA council provide for close examination of the proposed JPA boundary for the town of Montverde, and to note that if adopted in its proposed form would encroach on the boundaries proposed by the Ferndale village community.  I strongly feel that the proposed Montverde JPA boundaries are in conflict with the intent of past actions of the LPA council in regards to the comprehensive plan and would be detrimental to future planning efforts for the area.     

Finally, I would further note that other organizations and planning elements involved below in conjunction with the proposed LPA comprehensive plan are all part of an ongoing effort for supporting the ideas of preservation for this area.

1. Friends of Ferndale
2. Green Mountain Scenic Byway Management Entity (CME)
3. Lake County Ferndale Preserve
4. The Proposed  Rural Overlay District
5. Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor Overlay District
6. Green Mountain Scenic Roadway Overlay District
7. Lake Apopka Protection Basin
8. Ferndale Community Enhancement Area Overlay District.

Thank You

Arland J Deese
Ferndale Resident

Francis,

Per our phone conversation regarding above, the ownership is under Richard E. Oswalt, the alt. key # is 378-6462, I have located the original Land Use Map as adopted in 1993. I believe the property was reflected correctly until the state ownership was changed to include the portion of our property we sold to DEP (northeastern most tip of State Park at Lk Louisa Rd. and U.S. 27). When the cross-hatched section was added to the map to show the new ownership, the small amount of ridge density (4/1) that we have left and even smaller portion of rural conservation (1/10) was inadvertantly removed. This was probably due to a plotting error because of the small area reflected on the map. It appears the area is now& shown as transition, which is incorrect. We have had no involvement in a LU Amendment or request for a change. I am coming to Tavares tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 14th) and would like to bring the original LU Map by to show you the property. Please call me (352 267-3363) at your earliest convenience to verify a time to meet tomorrow. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,
Mark A.Oswalt.

Mr. Sheahan,

I sent an email this morning and did not realize a meeting of the LPA was scheduled for this week. I finally finished my letter to the LPA and have sent it via US Mail with copies to both you and Ms King. Since it may not arrive in time I am attaching the document in MS Word format and would as that you include it for this weeks meeting should the paper copies fail to arrive in time.
Thank you for your help.

Bill Holler

Letter to LPA

My wife and I live east of 441/27 just off of Edwards Rd.  we have a whole community of folks that have homesteads that are rural in nature, some are only one home to one acre but many are 5,10,15,and even 60 acre parcels.  We located here because we wanted this type of lifestyle and the whole area represented that life style.  There are places for orchards, horses, farm animals and lots of green space for the native plants and animals to flourish and water to flow with very little contamination.

Please do your part to keep some greenbelt type areas in our County particularly where they already exist. 

The area east of 441 over to Lake Griffin needs to stay as it is rural, not covered up with concrete and asphalt.

Thank you for your consideration,
Ed & Linda Moore

Who will pay the landowners for the regulatory taking?

Many landowners out in the green swamp area will have their land values wiped out if this plan passes as is.

Landowners affected primarily are Orlando 2000, Kuter Ranch, ER Jahna Industries, Trust Corp, Quality Petroleum, Greenleaf Wood Products, Boyett Land, Florida Rock, Rinker Materials and Green Swamp Ranch. All of the aforementioned landowners will have their property values destroyed by this plan.

Is the ANY provision for compensation for the "regulatory taking", if no why not ? If yes, who, where, how will this be done?

What about previously nonconforming lots (grand-fathered) that are/were deemed build-able under the current comp plan? Will they become worthless also?

Please reply as these questions are actionable. It will be far easier to settle these issues now than to settle them later in court. The precedents go with the landowners. I expect everyone listed at the top of this question to fully defend their rights.

Respectfully Submitted,
MikeMilliken@AOL.com

Please delay sending the comprehensive plan until the two new commissioners take office in November, so that the true will of the citizens and taxpayers can be accurately reflected. I am not a “ no growth” advocate , but I am a “ smart and slow growth supporter”.

Thank You.

Sincerely,
Georgette Kerkvliet
Clermont

Hello,

As an interested citizen I would like to follow the review and approval process for the new Lake County Comprehensive Plan. So I am making the following requests.

Would you please forward to me the actual and/or tentative schedules for any public workshops, hearings and or reviews regarding the new Comprehensive Plan.

Also would you please give me the names and scheduled meeting dates of whatever committees and/or boards that are responsible for any hearings, reviews, preliminary approvals and final approval of the new Comprehensive Plan. Thank you for your service to the community and for your consideration of my requests.

Sincerely,
George Wright
Groveland, FL

I understand there is a Commission hearing today including a change in an overlay, requested by Mr. Fabrizio. Such a change should not be made this late in the process. It should be denied.

Anthony E. Grigg

Urban sprawl, not so pretty, save a farm, build in the city.  Something to think and act on.  Many of us in Lake County enjoy our rural lifestyle.  We would like to see it protected.

Sincerely,
D. L. Morris
Northwest Lake county

Dear Fellow Citizens,

Please designate the rural area east of hwy.441 to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River and the Marion County line as rural zoning. I wish to protect this area as a Greenbelt, and minimize the urban sprawl indiscriminate development would bring. I also do not desire a zoning plan that would facilitate annexation by municipalities like Lady Lake into our rural community. We depend on your actions to preserve the rural areas in which we live.

Thank You,
Bill and Trisha Peterson
Lady Lake

Please designate the rural area east of 441 to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River, and the Marion County line as rural, and to do all that you can to protect our greenbelt from developers, and from annexation by the Town of Lady Lake.

Sincerely yours,
Sid & Lee Klein

Vote 2 save our greenbelt from developers east of 441 to Lake Griffin,Oklawaha River & Marion County line.More is not better.

Thank you,
Richard & Karen Cobb

Hello,
I am writing to request that you designate the area east of 441 to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River, and the Marion County line as RURAL. Please protect the areas I ride my horse and enjoy wildlife in the greenbelt areas. I do not want this area to be annexed by the Town of Lady Lake. Please preserve our rural lifestyle!! Thank you for your time.

Leslie Kalwara
Lady Lake

LPA Members:

Please designate the rural area east of 441 to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River, and the Marion County line as Rural Zoning.

I wish to protect this area as a Greenbelt, and minimize the urban sprawl indiscriminate development would bring.

I also DO NOT desire a zoning plan that would facilitate annexation by municipalities like Lady Lake into our rural community.

We depend on you actions to preserve the rural areas in which we live.

Thank you

LPA Members:

Please designate the rural area east of 441 to Lake Griffin, the Ocklawaha River, and the Marion County line as Rural Zoning.

I wish to protect this area as a Greenbelt, and minimize the urban sprawl indiscriminate development would bring.

I also DO NOT desire a zoning plan that would facilitate annexation by municipalities like Lady Lake into our rural community.

We depend on you actions to preserve the rural areas in which we live.

Thank you

Please designate the rural area between Highway 441, the Marion County line, the Ocklawaha River and North/Northwest of Lake Griffin as a rural, protected area. This countryside is rich in natural beauty with the river, lakes, uplands, wetlands, hills, ridges, trees, plants, and wildlife (including endangered species and species of concern). The area is best enjoyed on foot, by boat, or from the back of a horse. There are elevations so high that the eye can see unobstructed vistas for many miles.

A great deal of diversity exists, even within my 120 acres. This is one of the reasons it is so important. Though there are some pockets of development, including some that should never have been approved; it is still predominated by larger parcels of land. Other smaller rural pieces run together, forming a beautiful crazy quilt of agriculture that works for the diverse human and animal population that lives here.

In recent years there has been a trend here for people to expand their property, and many individuals have bought larger tracts for farms and to keep horses. These lands are water recharge areas that help protect our aquifer, lakes and river. Because it should be protected, St. John’s Water Management District has purchased uplands and wetlands in Marion County on the Lake County line. Across the water lies Emeralda Marsh Protection area.

The area is also rich in history, and the northern banks of Lake Griffin were supposed to be given additional archeological research and oversight before and during construction involving any future development exceptions. That seems to have been overlooked when Harbor Hills was granted 200 additional homes (in the area of their original 799 subdivision) approved in early 2005, by the BCC. Further north there is also an old ("Slighville") cemetery dating from the late 1800's, from which the grave markers were removed. This should not be forgotten in any future development plans.

Our area of Lake County urgently needs protection from the sewer and water lines menacing out from the Town of Lady Lake that will destroy one of the loveliest parts of Lake County.

As a retired REALTOR and past part owner of a Northern Virginia real estate office, I believe that growth proposals being advanced by the Town of Lady Lake will raise taxes for Town and County residents, and lower the quality of life for all residing within the Lady Lake and Weirsdale areas.

Finding locations for "affordable housing,” high and medium density, and mixed use is important, but putting high density directly next to agricultural land is a bad idea for many reasons.

Insuring safe conditions in public areas is a primary responsibility of government. Equestrian activities taking place here would be in conflict with high-density living and present a danger to children and other residents who do not know how to behave around horses and livestock. In turn, the new residents will pose a hazard to the horses and their riders.

Our agricultural roads cannot handle the great increase of traffic that would occur if higher density increases were approved here. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, told us he opposed the original Harbor Hills subdivision because the agricultural roads in the area were not built to handle suburban zoning. Very minimal improvements have been made to any of these roads over the years. They are hilly, winding with sharp curves, narrow, and mostly without shoulders. Improving some portions of Gray’s Airport Road, which is the worst, may not even be feasible.

A recent survey in Hillsborough County "shows that, in that County, agricultural uses receive 25 cents in services from the County for every dollar paid in property taxes (providing a 75 cent surplus); in contrast, the County spends $1.29 for every dollar contributed by residential uses. Similar studies done in other counties typically support the conclusion." Perhaps this is one of the reasons that the Town of Lady Lake no longer has a big reserve fund to fall back on, and is facing either tax increases or a cut to services.

The State of Florida is increasingly concerned about the loss of greenbelt areas and is considering numerous ways to preserve them. There are plans to spend a great deal of money in the future to help insure that rural and greenbelt areas continue to exist and function within the State. Maintenance of rural lands that are or could be available for agricultural uses is also important to the security of our area, State, and Nation.

Lake County needs to be pro-active in finding ways to protect our valuable rural greenbelt areas. After other local governments have squandered such lands by filling them with residential housing, they have later been forced to turn away really wonderful industry and better uses because they failed to preserve enough greenbelt space in their original plans. (Greenbelt space should NOT include golf courses, and in many areas too many golf course communities have been built only to find the homeowner’s associations cannot support their courses.)

The taxpaying citizens of our area do not want over-crowded schools, higher taxes, crime, or traffic. And the majority of them (as recent County surveys have shown) do not want to lose our rural greenbelt areas. In fact, preserving these lands is one of the top wishes of area residents, regardless of where they live. Many of the people living in the town of Lady Lake or the Villages are here in large part because of the natural beauty of the area, and many of them enjoy activities taking place in the countryside. The Villages has a "Horsin' Around Club" of nearly 200 members. Many residents of the Town and the Villages keep horses at boarding facilities in our rural area.

Florida reportedly has more horses per capita than any other State. The horse population count has Kentucky, California and Florida in contention as the top three states. Marion County, Florida, has more horses than any other County in the entire Country. And according to state agriculture leaders I've spoken to, Lake is second in equine population for Florida counties. Imagine the revenues this generates!

The Sunshine State Horse Council and other sources put the Florida share between 7 - 7.5 BILLION dollars, directly and indirectly, per year.

A large part of Ocala's economy is based upon equine activities, and the horse show HITS (Horses in the sun) brings in about a million dollars annually (this figure was mentioned in the Ocala newspaper last winter) just for that one series of shows. Increasingly, some of those revenues have found their way to Lake County as participants have discovered improvements to the facilities in this area. Ocala has continued to grow and expand industrially because of the quality lifestyle and natural beauty available in that area. These activities should be embraced, protected, and promoted by Lake County.

Austin Horse Park (and Carriage Museum) and the new Lady Lake Equestrian Center, which boasts the only covered arena located in our area, attract horses and visitors traveling here from great distances,

including other States and Countries, to take part in events. This helps support restaurants, hotels, and the sale of goods and services of many kinds.

Uncle Donald's Farm is also a terrific asset located in our special part of the County.

Wildlife corridors support a wealth of wildlife that coexists with the farms thanks to the greenbelt. Very little wildlife can be expected to survive on islands of space such as yards, parks, golf courses, or small "preserves" surrounded by housing.

Tourists come from around the world to visit the Orlando attractions, but when they come out into our countryside and onto the lakes and rivers, they find the "real Florida." Here they spend their "best ever" and "most fun days of our holiday." These visitors return frequently and tell their friends about where to find "old Florida." While here, these visitors spend plenty of money that fuels our local economy.

Growth that is too rapid causes a huge financial burden on the taxpayers. The idea that "We must grow or we will die" is a myth. Slower, smarter growth builds communities that work, and that can balance their budgets without destroying natural resources.

Special interests should not be allowed to override or threaten the health of our greenbelts. Future growth plans should be in harmony with our priceless assets rather than undermining them.

Let's encourage development that respects the safety and lifestyles of our residents. Recognizing the value of greenbelt areas is essential to the process. With forward thinking and a smart-growth plan that recognizes the highest and best use for each piece of property, the public will best be served.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

And thank you also for unselfishly giving so generously to work on the monumental task of constructing the new growth plan that will take our special part of Florida into the future.

Sincerely,

Harpo and Vicki A. Zaneis for the FRIENDS OF LAKE GRIFFIN

Letter and accompanying maps from Terrie Diesbourg

• Letter to the LPA
• Map 1
• Map 2

As a resident of Clermont I would only hope that the LPA has a vision of how important it is to have the Karlton project come to Clermont. I would only hope that this rare opportunity to have such a master planned community with many "benefits" to residents of South Lake is not missed by rhetoric and politics.

Don't let the 2,000 acre site be bought up and divided by amongst various developers who want to add just another "rooftop" only community which only add thousands of "rooftops" of potentially family households with school age children. What Karlton Master Plan Community proposes is homes (2,500 of 55+ and 2,500 family), 2 schools (elementary and middle schools) and would possibly contribute toward another High School, a 100 acre bio medical facility, a community college, a park, a parkway leading to S.R. 429, a 320 bed hospital and a 120 bed assisted living facility. What county in their right mind would turn this down? What Karlton proposes would greatly benefit all Lake County residents! I believe that Karlton may possibly be a CDD (community development district) community where everything is maintained and meticulous and pristine and that everyone who buys into this community is assessed for all infrastructure. I believe Karlton would brings hi-tech, high paying jobs to Lake and make our investments (homes and businesses) soar.

Ann Dupee's comment in the Orlando Sentinel is corrected when she states that the parkway that would connect Hwy- 27 to State Road 429 would greatly benefit Lake County and alleviate many traffic concerns off State Road 50.

It seems as though all the people that showed up to reject Karlton are NOT really concerned about a 4,000 family home community in Minneola which borders Clermont on the northside. I'm sure the 4,000 "Hills of Minneola" rooftop only family community will have more of an impact than Karlton ever would as Minneola has only one charter school...children from Minneola are currently attending Clermont's Middle and High Schools..if 4,000 family homes will be built, won't that have an impact on the Clermont schools? Won't 4,000 homes have an impact on traffic on Hwy 27 and S.R. 50, and a huge impact and burden on Clermont schools? There seems to be a double standard here. It is sad that the Karlton development with so much to offer has been put on the back burner while all these other massive "rooftop only" communities have gone through with no opposition. The people who rejected Karlton are not consistent with their concerns and base their decision on editorials from various newspapers, heresay and rumors instead of doing their own research.

Karlton could very easily go to Polk or Orange County and present their plan. Please don't let South Lake County miss out on this "once in a lifetime" opportunity, please have the wisdom and vision to see the benefits Karlton would generate.

Thank you. Mrs. Milena Foley

Please continue your efforts to send the State a Comprehensive Land Use Plan and map without omissions and flaws.  Your hard work all these months has been greatly appreciated and would be a waste, if now in it’s finally hour, parts are left undone because of a time line.

Sincerely,
Carol Peters
Eustis

Please do what you can to delay the sending of the comprehensive plan forward until the new commissioners take office in November. This gives more time for thought and consideration and also allows the incoming commissioners to vote on what they will live with going forward.  I am not a “ no growth”  advocate , but I am a “ smart and slow growth supporter”. Please consider what your citizens want and not what a few “self interest” people are pushing. Thank You.
Ed Gresham

It is my understanding that the LPA is to transmit the Comp Plan today.  I am not able to attend the meeting this morning, but I wanted you to have my comments.

In light of the results of the recent primary election and the plan for school concurrency, I am trusting that LPA members will not transmit this document if there are last-minute staff language changes made to either the Future Land Use Element or Future Land Use Map which have not been considered and discussed by the LPA.  If there are changes which have not been considered, the comp plan should remain in LPA hands until the LPA verifies that it is complete and correct.

I would like to see transmittal delayed until the new commissioners are seated, but understand that may not be a possibility.  In any case, I expect that the LPA will respect the wishes of Lake County residents who have clearly indicated their desire to retain a rural lifestyle.

Pam Jennelle
Eustis

Dear Member of the Land Planning Agency,

I was proud to be part of the majority that spoke out on Tuesday, September 5th during the primary elections when Catherine Hanson and Bob Poole were veritably ousted from the county commission.  I thought that I might be special as I even changed my party affiliation enabling me to cast my responsible and sensible vote in the primary.  Recently I discussed this with some colleagues only to find that they too had done the same and could name scores of friends and neighbors that had done so as well.  As the old adage goes, 'actions speak louder than words'. 

However, today I am speaking to you and asking for you to withhold the transference of the Comprehensive Plan to the DCA until the new commissioners take their offices in November.  They represent the pulse of the majority as was plainly demonstrated by the overwhelming defeat of the incumbent commissioners.

Please wait to send the comprehensive plan to the state level.  Allow the voices of the majority to be heard!

Respectfully,
Traci Anderson

Please  delay sending the new Comprehensive Plan to the State (DCA) until after the two new County Commissioners have taken office in November.

I live in this area and want the newly elected commissioners to help make this important decision regarding the future of this area. The current commissioners do not have the future of the area in mind---they are returning to the private sector where developers will be their best friends.

We need those who care about the future of our area making these decisions.

Thank you.

Joan M. Hill
Sorrento

Delay sending the comprehensive plan until the 2 new commissioners take office in November. So that the true will of the Citizens and Taxpayers can be accurately reflected. Don't turn Lake County into Orland for a few Developers greed. Coleen Harris

With regards to the Comprehensive Plan and any time remaining for the LPA to review and finalize prior to sending it on to the Board of Commissioners; I respectively request that any actions be tabled until the newly elected Commissioners have taken office.

Last Tuesday’s elections proclaimed loud and clear that the citizens of Lake County are sick and tired of straining their voices until they are hoarse trying to get the current commissioners to listen to their ‘constituents’. The people have finally been heard through their voice at the ballot box, that same voice should be heard through our chosen representatives.

No motions, actions, or decisions should be made by the OUTGOING personnel regarding these most important, long term documents. It has been made abundantly clear that these individuals are not who the public wants representing their interests.

Respectively submitted,
James and Kelly Boeder

Good morning,

I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work on the new Comp Plan for Lake County. I believe that the recent Primary Election has shown that the residents of Lake County feel the growth in our county needs to slow down and your works will be the guiding force for that growth. I know that each of you have carefully considered your recommendations and I urge you not to be pushed by Staff to submit the FLUE and FLUM to the Commissioners before you are sure it truly reflects the wishes of our residents.

Our new County Commissioners will take their places in November; if at all possible, I feel these documents should be reviewed by our NEW COMMISSIONERS, duly elected by our residents. The future of our county, especially Rural Lake County, is in you hands.

Thank you for your time and dedication.

Regards,
Sue
Susan L. Brooks

PLEASE DELAY SENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UNTIL THE TWO NEW COMMISSIONERS TAKE OFFICE IN NOVEMBER, SO THAT THE TRUE WILL OF THE CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS CAN BE ACCURATELY REFLECTED!

THANK YOU,
P. E. SCHAD GROVELAND

Good morning:

As a concerned citizen and longtime resident of Lake County, I urge the Land Planning Agency to delay approval of the transmittal of the Comprehensive Plan to the Department of Community Affairs until after the investiture of the newly elected commissioners. Since this plan will be the guiding document for the future of Lake County, the new commission should have the opportunity to review the plan to ensure it represents the will of the people. Having participated in the community meetings to develop this plan, I am concerned that there are loopholes that will permit development in ways that were not intended by the residents of this county.

Your consideration of this request is most appreciated.

Respectfully,
Kathleen Farner Thomas
Eustis, FL

Dear Board Member,

I cannot attend today's meeting in person but I am asking that the transmittal of the new Comp plan be delayed until the two new county commissioners are seated, so that they may approve the distributions they will have to live by, and reflect the will of the citizens of Lake who have with the recent election demanded slow growth and more open space.

Thank you,
Ed Gonzalez

Please delay sending the Comprehensive Plan until the two new commissioners take office in November, so that the true will of the citizens and taxpayrs can be accurately reflected!

Thank you,
Katheryn Rider
Sorrento,Fl.

LPA Memebrs:

I urge each of you to delay submitting your final plans for the new Comprehensive Plan until our two newly elected County Commissioners take office in November. Last Tuesday the citizens and taxpayers of our county spoke loud and clear about wanting change in Lake County. They do not want any loopholes that will allow developers to compromise our rural areas. We want the County Commission to approve a viable Comprehensive Plan that will not need to be amended any time soon. I ask you to consider the will of the voters in this very important decision and do what is right.

Thank you,
Robin Brubaker, Sorrento, FL.

Please do not send the Comprehensive Land Use Plan to the state at this time. As a lame duck committee, this decision would not reflect a will of the people. Please wait until the newly elected members are part of this committee so a decision will be based on desires expressed by voters for the future of our community. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Diane Dean
The Villages, Florida

Member of LPA,

I am writing you to urge you to delay the transmittal of the new CLP to the BOCC until such time as a new board is seated. That is less than two months away. This will provide the LPA additional time to finish its work and evaluate all changes that have been made by staff without public input.

Thank you
Bob Foley

Honorable LPA Members:

As a citizen of Lake County, I have a concern over the potential for a a premature transmittal of the Future Land Use Element (FLUE) and the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to our present County Commission. Also, if it is possible that present staff is attempting to add language in the FLUE which has not been brought to the LPA nor discussed prior to Monday's transmittal meeting, this would be inherently unfair and dangerous. These documents will have far reaching effects on our quality of life, and I would hope that the LPA takes all the time necessary to get it right while you are still in control of it. If it leaves your control too soon, it may become tainted by the actions of officials who do not possess a voting record displaying a desire to preserve our rural quality of life. The public is trusting you to make decisions allowing for development in reasonable areas while protecting that which makes the most sense to preserve. I know you will see to it that the plan is fully studied and ready before staff or special interests find a way to remove it from your rightful domain.

Thank you for your efforts and your honorable community service.

Sincerely,
Sandi Weld

I have been VERY concerned over the excessive amount of growth that has occurred in rural Lake County. I believe much of the Future Land use was biased by an individual that had vested interest in excessive development.

I would be much more comfortable having the Land Planning comprehensive plan delayed until it can be reviewed by new commissioners in November; individuals that would not financially benefit, therefore eliminating bias.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email from a concerned resident of Lake County.

Sincerely,
Sandy Dziak

Urgent: Please delay sending the new Comprehensive Plan to the state(DCA)until after the two new County Commissioners have taken office in November. This is the only way the will of the public and the people will be truly reflected in a good Comprehensive Plan!

Sincerely,
Joyce Regep

To LPA Members:

I write to you tonight to urge you to take the time to make sure this Comp Plan is sound and that enough time is taken to review the weekly Staff changes to both the FLUE and the FLUM which in many cases would directly benefit developer interests. These two items are extremely crucial to a sound Comp Plan that doesn't allow the will of the developer lobby to prevail over that of the people. There are many important issues to consider before thought should be made for final transmittal to the BCC. Staff hasn't even provided a clear answer to the population studies so how can the map be completed?

I'd like to ask the LPA to acknowledge the will of the people in the primary last week. It would be a great disservice to Lake County to not allow the new Commissioners vote on a Comp Plan that they will administer and oversee. The last election was a mandate on stopping sprawl and overcrowding with a huge emphasis on strong protection of Rural Areas. Commissioner Hill even stated she thought this was a good idea to wait until the new Board is in place.

There is also concern that opportunities, through a rush to transmit the Comp Plan, will be afforded to provide loopholes for further sprawl and unchecked development. The "Special Area Plans" designation as it is is useless in due to it's vagueness and it's allowance to be literally written by the developer.

My last point in taking the time to get this thing right is that the "courtesy review" of the Wekiva Policy won't even be back until the 13th of October. It would be senseless to transmit the Comp Plan on the 3rd without seeing these comments. There is no rush.

Sincerely,
Chris Belflower

Dear LPA member,

Please delay sending the Comprehensive Plan to the State until the two new commissioners take office in November, so that the will of the people can be accurately reflected.

Thank you,
Gloria L. Moreau
Mount Dora

Keep Lake County Rural. That's why we live here and NOT in Orlando.

Delay sending your plan to the LCC.

thx
John Daly
Sorrento

Tomorrow is a very important meeting of the Land Planning Agency about our comprehensive plan. Right now it contains loopholes that will allow developers in the future to develop our rural areas. Last Tuesday, the citizens stated very loudly and clearly that they wanted the rural areas to remain rural. I am asking you , the LPA members, to delay submitting the plan until the two new commissioners have taken office in November.

Thank You In Advance for Your Consideration!

Jim and Mary Ella Timberlake

Dear LPA and Growth Management Foks,

It is very important to the citizens of Lake county that our agricultural and greenbelt areas are PROTECTED Please vote NO to the zoning of 2 1/2 holmes per acre out in the country. This is not compatible with preserving and protecting rural greenbelt areas. We appreciate you using our tax dollars wisely.

Thank you,
Benne and David Dougan
Lady lake Florida

Dear LPA Members:

Please take every opportunity to consider the desires of the citizens of Lake County in your review of the Comprehensive Plan transmittal. The citizens have sent a mandate to all of us who serve them to consider our actions with regard to keeping rural densities intact. As a member of the Mount Plymouth - Sorrento Planning and Advisory Committee I am taking the overwhelming results of the County Commissioner's race as a mandate for lower densities.

G. Curtis Duffield

As a member of a former advisory board on the comprehensive plan from several years ago, I would like to implore you to not take any final actions prior to the installation of the new commissioners.

In addition, if the plan is not ready it should not be submitted. I remember vividly being influenced by the Commissioners who devastated our work several years ago.

Ron Abbey,
Tavares

Dear Barbara,

The comprehensive plan, as you know, is vital to the future of Lake County. Last Tuesday the citizens told us loud and clear that they wanted rural lands to remain rural. There remain too many loopholes in the plan for developers to use at a later date to undo the citizens wishes. I urge you to delay submitting the plan until the two new commissioners are in office. After all, they will be the ones dealing with the plan.Thank you.

Sincerely,

Linda Stewart

Brian,

The online draft FLUM today appears to be the same one that was posted prior to Francis Franco's vacation and prior to our meeting on August 15.

Do you have an updated version with the changes which we discussed whenever I was in your office on August 15? Those being in the Lenholt Farm area of east Lake County along SR 44.

On August 15, you made a written note to yourself that the white "Undetermined Use/Not a Proposed Land Use Category Pending Recommendation" areas on and nearby Lenholt Farm will be colored back in Rural 1 du/5 acres, unchanged from the existing land use. Will that be done prior to Monday, August 28's, LPA meeting?

Also will the Pier 44 Marina on SR 44 at the St. John's River be fixed on the FLUM prior to Monday's meeting, to show it as other than Rural 1 du/5 acres, which staff has mistakenly designated it on the FLUM? We discussed that issue on August 15, too.

Peggy Belflower

Brian,

Thank you for your email.

I did not receive a copy of the updated FLUM. Could you either e-mail it to me or else describe or hyper-link me where to find it on the LPA's web site? It is a somewhat convoluted web site, in terms of there are nearly always several different pages to search, to try to locate any one item.

The update is not on the Board Agenda page nor under Agenda Documents nor on the Comp Plan 2025 site, which is where I initially looked before e-mailing to you about it. Thank you for your time. My questions are in the interest of saving time at the LPA meeting on Monday.

Peggy

Brian,

Absent the map, how did staff address the issue of parcels in the Rural areas? What is staff's ultimate conclusion?

Thank you.

This, too, might save some time on Monday at the meeting.

Peggy

Please do not allow the zoning of 2 1/2 homes per acre "out in the country". It is not compatible with preserving and protecting rural greenbelt areas. The growth is happening at a rapid rate, moderation is no longer part of Lake County's vocabulary. I see the rapid destruction of wildlife's habitat, right before my eyes. Consider your decision in this most delicate matter.

Sincerely, Joyce Regep

I am sending you this email because I feel strongly about keeping Lake County a RURAL COUNTY! There is a proposals for additional high density growth before you now.

Think very carefully about the precedent that you set when you approve, just one more housing development.

I moved to Lake County from Orange County because I wanted to live in an area where small towns are valued. I can look out my kitchen widow at my horses and the only thing that wakes me up in the morning is the sunshine. I do not hear loud stereos, thumping cars, and sirens responding to another home invasion or traffic accident.

I work in Orange County and drive one hour each day. The ride is worth it to live where I do. I work for the Orange County Sheriff's Office and each day see the problems that affect Orange County due to explosive population growth.

Grid locked roads, constant construction, road rage, schools filled to the max, the list goes on and on. Orange County now has all the problems of any big city... including shootings, home invasions. Of course this begs the questions, which came first crime or the growth in population.

It is not an easy issue to address. There seems to always be areas of cities that have poor people or an area with a high crime.

I give you one thought as you think about approving another sub divisions.....the national average for law enforcement officers are 3.5 to 1,000 residents. Orange County has 1.78 to 1,000. That does not even include the tourist population.

So while everyone was approving housing developing and so excited about the aspect of new growth and taxes.... they forgot about the infrastructure of law enforcement, roads and schools necessary to support these new houses.

Lake County has the opportunity to say NO!! to huge growth. Why not keep the areas rural and green. Approve low density housing of no more than 1 per acre, or better yet look for ways to approve small ranches of 5 acres or more.

The housing market is getting ready to swing down again. Why be in a rush to approve high density housing. A new development just went in on 452 where planted pines used to be. The development will adds at least 100 new homes. The market is already filled with homes waiting to be sold.

Please before you approve just another subdivision , think about where you are doing it to improve Lake County or just approving it to approve it. What will that new development bring, more traffic or is there something special about that community that Lake County needs.

Remember Clermont... used to be a rural area. Look at it now, rows and rows of houses. Stop the expansive growth while you still can. Do not make Lake County another Orange County!!

Thank You!

Tony and Georgene Rye Umatilla FL

Mr. Bennett and Mr. Sheahan,

RE: Stipulated Settlement Agreement Case#APP-03-020: Dept. of Community Affairs vs. Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

Mr. Shakar's PUD development, located partly in the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern is subject to the terms of the SSA reached between the DCA and Lake County in 2005 with the transmittal of amended ordinance 2003-84 reflecting the terms of the Stipulated Settlement Agreement (SSA).

Mr. Shakar fails to mention the SSA in his letter to you asking for permanent zoning on the proposed FLUM of 3 units per acre in what is now the Suburban Land Use Category and 1 unit per acre in the GSACSC. He is asking for these zoning's based on this PUD achieving the standards for the timeliness policy that is recommended to be eliminated in the new FLUE. At the present time both those land use categories have a density allowable of 1 unit per 5 acres, unless timeliness is met.

Mr. Shakar fails to mention that according to the SSA, upon approval of development of Phase III located in the GSACSC, the density and rezoning shall be tramsmitted and reviewed by the DCA. Presco Associates were well aware of the negotiations that took place during the appeal process between Lake County and DCA over the original Ordinance. The fact that Presco Associates planner has verified their timeliness study doesn't matter for the determination of timeliness as per the SSA. In all the attachments to the letter, the SSA is absent. Since that is the determing document on the timing of density of this development, it should be part of the review process for all requests involving this development.

I was one of 3 intervenors in the appeal and expect that Lake County will enforce the provisions of the Stipulated Settlement Agreement.

I would appreciate an answer from you regarding what future action the Planning Department plans in regard to Presco Associate's request for permanent zoning on this PUD. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

Peggy Cox

I am strongly opposed to increasing density in rural areas to 2 1/2 homes/acre.

Please take the time to secure the future rural nature of Lake County for our children! This change will lead to overdevelopment, crowded roads and schools, and a loss of our beautiful rural environment.

There is enough development in the county without your decision to increase density.

Let some part of the county remain attractive and rural. It will become more attractive as land becomes more scarce.

Those of us who live here appreciate the land. Those who do not live here want to take advantage of more profit---then they will leave us with ruined living space.

Joan M. Hill

Sorrento

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please add our voice to the many others you have no doubt heard from recently who are in opposition to this category change for rural land use. We wish to make ourselves perfectly clear; we do not support any changes in the land use categories what would in any way multiply the number of dwelling units already zoned.

Please remember that a major desire (probably THE major desire, according to surveys) of our citizens, regardless of whether they live in the country or in town, is the preservation of our agricultural and greenbelt areas.

To include these "rural settlements" in the new Comprehensive Plan is a fraud and a slap in the face to all of us. Our rural and greenbelt lands bring in more taxes than required to provide services than any other zoning, unlike residential suburban in rural areas, which these "rural settlements" would open the door to. These lands also provide water recharge, wildlife corridors, and huge direct and indirect agricultural business revenues (equine industry alone $7 - 7 1/2 BILLION per year in Florida),

The zoning of 2 1/2 homes per acre "out in the country" is not compatible with preserving and protecting rural greenbelt areas.

Please strike down this suggested change in zoning, the only people that will gain from it is the developers.

James T. Boeder

Kelly J. Boeder

To Whom It May Concern:

With all due respect, would someone please tell me what is rural about a settlement of 2-1/2 homes per 1/2 acre?
It is crucial that we preserve and protect our rural areas which are our most precious assets. Please do not give in to the pressures for higher density.

Ralph and Virginia Esposito
Mount Dora, Florida

Martin P. Murphy
Mount Plymouth, Florida

Please eliminate the idea of 2 1/2 homes per acre and possible commercial for inclusion in our rural areas. This will virtually eliminate what is important to our water recarge areas, our economy, wildlife corridors, and quality of life. The residents of the area have made   known their wishes, and biologists and scientists have attested to how it is a bad idea. We need our rural areas in tact, and continous, not chopped up with development. We need our greenbelts for a healthy and prosperous life and for a prosperous economy.We look to you to protect what is truly the most important area of our future, these greenbelts. Please listen to us, as once it's developed there's no going back.
Thank you for all your hard work

Chris Crowhurst
Weirsdale