2026 01 22 Summary MinutesR.pdf?t=202604221143300

SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY HALL THURSDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2026 - 4:30 P.M. The Planning Commission of the City of Leesburg held its regular meeting Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, at City Hall. Chairman Sennett called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following Commission members were present: Tim Sennett - Chairman Nathaniel Sanders Ted Bowersox Shaun Robertson Ken Simeone John O’Kelley The following Commission member was absent: Darin Akkerman Ze’Shieca Carter Frazier Marshall City staff that was present included Dan Miller, Planning & Zoning Director, Sabrina Mitchell, Executive Assistant I, Dianne Yekel, Senior Planner, Max Van Allen, Senior Planner, Melissa Medders De Los Santos, Planner and Mel Ortiz, Planner. Attorney Jennifer Cotch was also present. The meeting opened with an invocation given by Commissioner Bowersox, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Dan Miller informed the audience of the rules of participation and the need to sign the speaker’s registry. He also informed Commissioners and the audience that the City Commission meeting dates are tentatively scheduled. MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FOR THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 18TH, 2025. Vice-Chairman Sanders moved to APPROVE the minutes from the December 18th, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Robertson SECONDED the motion, which PASSED by a vote of 6-0. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR Commissioners had discussion on the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Board. Motion made for the election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board. Commissioner Bowersox made a MOTION to APPROVE to re-elect Chairman Sennett as the CHAIR of the PLANNING COMMISSION – Commissioner Robertson SECONDED the MOTION, which PASSED by a vote of 5-0. Commissioner Bowersox made a MOTION to APPROVE to re-elect Commissioner Sanders as the VICE-CHAIR of the PLANNING COMMISSION – Commissioner Robertson SECONDED the MOTION, which PASSED by a vote of 5-0. Sabrina Mitchell, Executive Assistant I swore in staff as well as anyone wishing to speak. Chairman Sennett called for the first case under new business be brought forward. NEW BUSINESS 1) PUBLIC HEARING CASE # LSCP-25-774 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – LARGE SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 202.6 +/- ACRES FROM LAKE COUNTY RURAL TO CITY OF LEESBURG ESTATE RESIDENTIAL, FOR A PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED EAST OF COUNTY ROAD 33 AND SOUTH OF LAKE BRITE STREET, AND WEST OF COUNTY ROAD 33 AND SOUTH OF DESERT LANE, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 24 EAST, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (CITY COMMISSION DATES ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FIRST READING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AND SECOND READING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026) (Lake Bright-Brighurst LSCP) Chairman Sennett stated for the record to discuss both cases together and then vote separate. Dan Miller introduced case number #LSCP-25-774 – Lake Bright-Brighurst – Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment and case number # PUD-25-775 Planned Unit Development into the record and entered the exhibits into the record with maps and photo Page 2 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

exhibits including aerial, zoning, future and surrounding land use, wetlands/flood zone maps, CRA maps, staff summary, and staff recommendations. Dan Miller gave a background and explanation of the subject property, location, zoning, request, proposal, went over the SPUD requirements, went over site plan, design standards, site access, recreational requirements, utilities; stated all development must be on City water and wastewater; so, there will be no wells or septic systems on the property; our utility services have indicated through the review process, that there is sufficient capacity in all services to serve the development at this time, and phasing, or expiration clause; which requires that the development move forward with substantial commencement within four years or the property has an automatic reversion to the RE-1 Zoning standards, which is one acre per unit. Max Van Allen, Senior Planner utilized a power point presentation to demonstrate the area of the proposed site for the cases. Department Review Summary: This case was sent out to all the different City departments, Lake County Public Works, and Lake County School Board, from the City Departments; no substantive comments from the City departments; The property is outside of the City of Leesburg electric service area. A no comment response indicates that the city has sufficient capacity to serve the development in the form of water, wastewater, natural gas, etc. so capacity and availability exist in the systems. Lake County School Board; the applicant has been in contact with the School Board as required, School Board noted that an Adequate Public Facilities Determination was issued for the project, and that the project is subject to school concurrency review. The school concurrency reservation reserves capacity in the schools for development. If, at the time of development, adequate school capacity is not available, then this project will be subject to a mitigation agreement. This is an agreement in the form of a cash payment which allows the school system to provide adequate student stations with in the school system. Lake County Public Works had several comments on the project; noted and read into the record. Staff needs to note that the developer has a roadway agreement with Lake County to improve the intersection of CR470/CR48 and CR33 in Okahumpka; a copy provided in Commission packets, applicant can provide specifics on this topic; it is an approximately $2 million project at the intersection. It should be noted, that if this project is eventually approved at the City Commission level, both the staff’s recommendation and the PUD conditions do require the developer to initiate, construct, and complete the intersection or the property under this zoning will revert, as in other PUDs, to 1 acre lots. Public responses – the City received numerous written responses to this request; noted and read into the record from the State of Florida and City of Leesburg notice requirements, posted signs, and newspaper. Dan Miller read the Staff Recommendations into the record for both cases; Staff is recommending approval for cases, LSCP-25-774 and PUD-25-775. Chairman Sennett stated if the Commission have any questions of Staff. Page 3 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

Commissioners’ and Dan Miller discussed case came back; Dan Miller replied the Planning Commission turned down the case, City Commission decided to not annex; applicant decided to wait one year; (site plan), red line; Max Van Allen stated the red line; phase line between the phases of the different developments; amenities, bike/nature trails, put turn signal in, entrance of project; east/west, busy highway, cross safely, projected trips; Dan Miller addressed the 25’ buffer question from the citizen for clarification purposes; Commission addressed the traffic study for clarification purposes; change coming, make safe, biggest concern; traffic on hill, intersection, hard to see, traffic study; County, law suit; concern, lots; congested, too dense; not estate; term used for, not estate size lot; agree with most of citizens comments; did not approve; year ago, don’t see difference, less impact; existing environment, less traffic, not in favor; proposal, rural, agricultural land; County. Andrew McCown with GAI Consultants at 618 East South Street Orlando, FL here on behalf of Hanover Land Company, thanks Commission for their attention and congratulates the Commission on their new elections and then gave a presentation and went over revised concept plan; changes, traffic, density, amenities (concerns), 502 units, community amenities, images on recent projects images; developed by Hanover, images of playground facilities, mail kiosk, traffic highlights; traffic impact analysis; completed, external daily trip, in negotiation with Lake County; improve intersection, improvement costs, traffic mitigation CR 470/CR 33 & CR 48 intersection improvements & traffic analyzes; proportionate share; project identified, in TIA; offset by construction agreed to by the developer, de minimis impact to intersection, developer funding; 100% of project; $2.3 million, pedestrian improvements, 6 month construction; upon PUD approval, finished within 12 months; starting of construction, project access improvements; new deceleration lanes, guarantees money gathered; from impact of project; goes specific into the area impacted; in City of Leesburg, happy to address any questions any about traffic; then addressed comments from the Commission and stated there is a nature trail amenity along Lake Brite; lakeshore, preserved/enhanced; around the lakes, County project; bike trail along CR 33; required to reserve sufficient land for widening/trail, the intersection; propose/approved for County; already have traffic signal, project improvements; signals, entrance of project (no signalization) at entrance of project, drive across; when (safe). Chairman Sennett stated if the Commission have any questions of the applicant. Traffic & Mobility Consultant, represenative at 988 Woodcock Avenue Orlando, FL 32803 stated that within the traffic analysis we didn’t do an analysis of the two intersections; didn’t determine we need traffic signal; with those two access points, cross walk; coordinate with Lake County for the trail/sidewalk; and then went over the projected trips to the Commission for clarification purposes; addressed comments from the Commission and stated as part of the design; will be taken into consideration; site distance; coming or leaving, improvements on CR 33, dictated by Lake County; permitting, lighting; as go through design process. Page 4 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

Chairman Sennett stated if anybody in the audience that would like to speak on the case. Citizens comments were based on crossway, daily people (800 people); property owner 2 hours from Desert Lane, road, (improvements), Bridges Road; highest death rates, four lane, (light); not working now, 4’ fence; 502 houses, need 8’ fence, property owner by Phase I (1000’ fence line); lived there 35 yrs., hogs/chickens; 30-35’ houses, water build-up, not a good idea, smell, gas pumps; close to road, right turn; wrecks, not enough room, walk-way; CR 33; one amenity to another, blind hill, fog build-ups; bad idea, impact life, Commission; turned down, intersection; store fronts, close to road, 33; two-lane road, fix; put four-lane road, property owner by Phase III; north bound, not much changed, reduced number homes, CR 33 impact, traffic; Okahumpka, biggest concern; area, cattle, 4’ split rail fence, 8’ concrete wall; prevent accident from happening, kids; playing, field fence; electric wire, 600 volts electricity, dangerous, speed limit; (CR 33) 55 mph, traffic light; Bridges Road, in operation, property owner by Phase I; (right), add 730 vehicles; road, map (homes); north, 3,672 homes (north)of this area, 1500 home; back entrance of Plantation, lived there; 32 yrs., not opposed to growth; opposed to this type of growth, 1 home per acre, too concentrated; too fast, water/sewer running down the road, construction work; mess, for next year; if approved, solid fence, 4000 day trips; not included in peak hours, farm on Thomas Cove Drive; north, impacts; water/sewer, not fair, wildlife, lost 7 goats last year, habitat; taken away, taking agriculture land, nature trail; down Thomas Cove Drive; nature trail there, from Lake County, impact, all residents; financially, need turn lanes, project; accident waiting to happen, lifestyle, public safety; goal, accident; going to work; 6:45 a.m., negative impact, wreck less driving, speed limits, growth/development; prevent developments, more growth; infrastructure, 5 acres (minimum) per resident; better safer area, can’t cross; CR 33, approved; project, close houses; with kids, mess, animals, oak trees, growth area, owls, eagles, possums, opposed to project, traffic question, peak hours; 25’ buffer, traffic study, development; behind development, land field; access. Ben Snyder with Hanover Land Company at 605 Commonwealth Avenue Orlando, FL 32803 stated one clarification from our presentation, we have 18 months to complete the improvements at the intersection; per the agreement if we need to take that long, other approved projects; taken into account on full TIA; yes; existing access capacity; on CR 33, crossing back and forth, duplicated amenities; both sides, full cabana, parks; both sides; need to go back and forth; exist on both sides; happy to answer any other questions that the Commission has. Tony Orio with Hanover Land Company at 605 Commonwealth Avenue Orlando, FL 32803 stated the intersection of CR 33, CR 48, and CR 470; public private partnership, County engineer has addressed; consultants; they utilize, approved set up plans, build/construct, signalization, all improved; new intersection. Chairman Sennett closes discussion from the Public and then discussion took place with the Commission. Chairman Sennett entertained a motion, and then the voting took place. Page 5 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

Chairman Sennett called for a vote on the first case. Commissioner Simeone made a motion to DENY case # LSCP-25-774 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – LARGE SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT Commissioner O’Kelley SECONDED the motion. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Simeone Yes Commissioner O’Kelley Yes Commissioner Bowersox Yes Commissioner Robertson No Chairman Sennett No Commissioner Sanders No Three yeas, three nays, the Planning Commission disapproved case # SSCP-25-748 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – LARGE SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT. Chairman Sennett called for the second case under new business be brought forward. 2) PUBLIC HEARING CASE # PUD-25-775 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE ZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 202.6 +/- ACRES FROM LAKE COUNTY A (AGRICULTURE) TO CITY OF LEESBURG PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT), FOR A PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED EAST OF COUNTY ROAD 33 AND SOUTH OF LAKE BRITE STREET, AND WEST OF COUNTY ROAD 33 AND SOUTH OF DESERT LANE AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 21 SOUTH, RANGE 24 EAST, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (CITY COMMISSION DATES ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FIRST READING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AND SECOND READING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026) (Lake Bright-Brighurst PUD) Chairman Sennett entertained a motion, and then the voting took place. Commissioner Bowersox made a motion to DENY case # PUD-25-775 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT Commissioner O’Kelley SECONDED the motion. The roll call vote was: Commissioner O’Kelley Yes Commissioner Bowersox Yes Commissioner Robertson No Chairman Sennett No Commissioner Sanders No Commissioner Simeone Yes Page 6 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

Three yeas, three nays, the Planning Commission disapproved case # PUD-25-775 – LAKE BRIGHT-BRIGHURST – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. Chairman Sennett stated to the Public the tentative dates for the City Commission meetings. Chairman Sennett called for the third case under new business be brought forward. 3) PUBLIC HEARING CASE # SSCP-25-813 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 9.26 +/- ACRES FROM LAKE COUNTY RURAL TO CITY OF LEESBURG ESTATE RESIDENTIAL, FOR A PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF DEWEY ROBBINS ROAD AND EAST OF US HIGHWAY 27, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (CITY COMMISSION DATES ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FIRST READING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AND SECOND READING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026) (Cronin-Dewey Robbins Residential SSCP) Dan Miller introduced case number #SSCP-25-813 – Cronin-Dewey Robbins Residential – Small Scale Comprehensive Plan and case number # SPUD-25-814 Planned Unit Development into the record and entered the exhibits into the record with maps and photo exhibits including aerial, zoning, future and surrounding land use, wetlands/flood zone maps, CRA maps, staff summary, and staff recommendations. Dan Miller gave a background and explanation of the subject property, location, zoning, request, went over SPUD requirements; site plan, proposal, design standards, site access, recreation, utilities; stated all development must be on City water and wastewater; so, there will be no wells or septic systems on the property, our utility services have indicated that there is enough capacity to serve at this time, and phasing, or expiration clause; which requires that the development move forward with substantial commencement within four years, or the property has an automatic reversion to the RE-1 Zoning standards, which is one acre per unit, three changes, to PUD; noted and read into the record. Max Van Allen, Senior Planner utilized a power point presentation to demonstrate the area of the proposed site for the cases. Department Review Summary: This case was sent out to all the different City departments, Lake County Public Works, and Lake County School Board, from the City Departments; no substantive comments from the City departments; The property is outside the City of Leesburg service area. The city has sufficient capacity to serve the development in the form of water, wastewater, and natural gas at this time. Public responses – the City received Page 7 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

numerous written responses to this request; noted and read into the record from the State of Florida and City of Leesburg notice requirements, posted signs, and newspaper. Dan Miller read the Staff Recommendations into the record for both cases; therefore, based on a review of this proposal and the fact, that it is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and Land Development regulations, Staff is recommending approval for case, SSCP- 25-813 and SPUD-25-814. Chairman Sennett stated if the Commission have any questions of the applicant. Commissioners’ and Dan Miller discussed the aerial map; picture, shooting range; put of business, due to residential homes; Dan Miller replied it would not be put out of business because under state law shooting range doesn’t have to go away, 9.26 acres; 1/3 in (water), putting 26 homes on 6 acres; Dan Miller stated City of Leesburg use gross density calculations for clarification purposes; consistent in COMP plan, parcel; across Dewey Robbins Road; houses there, photograph; Dan Miller stated they only on the north side of Dewey Robbins Road; plan to, building area, 26 homes, shrunk; enclave; 4 to 6; 10 acre parcels; with homes on each parcel, spot zoning, not appropriate, parcel between two larger estate size; or agricultural properties, not spot zoning; if contiguous to another development, change of zoning; between two incompatible properties; on each side, acreage; 9 acres total, including water, don’t won’t development, consider purchasing; from developer. Tanner Kalebaugh of Land Planning Group representing the Cronin’s at 9013 Silver Lake Drive, Lake County and stated project seen by Commission last year; January, town home project; little commercial, Board comments; more in keeping with; surrounding developments, pulled site plan, went over map; Hodge Reserve; 449 SF units, 50’ minimum, Whispering Hills; 2,942 SF units, Lake Coe properties; 182 SF units, also 50’ minimum, created site plan; matches; approved by Planning Commission/City Commission board, lot sizes/density, density much lower; surrounding developments; approved in past, traffic a bit deal; 26 units, traffic less than 100 peak hour/trips; created, and hear to answer any questions from the Commission or the Public, and stated there will be a 25’ buffer (significant amount space); edge of lots and property lines, 50’ average; between the property lines/lot lines. Chairman Sennett stated if the Commission have any questions of Staff. Chairman Sennett stated if anybody in the audience that would like to speak on the case. Citizens comments were based on property owner; sent picture in of shooting range, has 21 cows, shooting range next to adjacent property, neighbor landlocked between Hodges Reserves, and proposed project, fence; Hodges Reserves, main concerns; (cows), (shooting range), don’t want to go; to City, please vote no; just like last year, property owner; owns 40 acres (left) on Dewey; like rural, City of Leesburg utilities; approved Hodges Reserve; sell; leave the way it is, coyotes, wildlife, turkeys; killed, opposed to project, Cronin’s; Page 8 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

(created hard copy petitions), two different; petitions, 1500 signatures, property owner; purchased 10 acres; proposed project, see lot of (crime), and (traffic); accidents. Chairman Sennett closes discussion from the Public and then discussion took place with the Commission. Chairman Sennett entertained a motion, and then the voting took place. Chairman Sennett called for a vote on the third case. Commissioner Sanders made a motion to APPROVE case # SSCP-25-813 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT. The motion died for lack of a second. Attorney, Jennifer Cotch stated to the Commission were their no other motions to be made. Commissioner Bowersox made a motion to DENY case # SSCP-25-813 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT Commissioner Simeone SECONDED the motion. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Bowersox Yes Commissioner Robertson Yes Chairman Sennett No Commissioner Sanders No Commissioner Simeone Yes Commissioner O’Kelley Yes Four yeas, two nays, the Planning Commission disapproved case # SSCP-25-813 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT. Chairman Sennett called for the fourth case under new business be brought forward. 4) PUBLIC HEARING CASE # SPUD-25-814 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE ZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 9.26 +/- ACRES FROM LAKE COUNTY A (AGRICULTURE) TO CITY OF LEESBURG SPUD (SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT), FOR A PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF DEWEY ROBBINS ROAD AND EAST OF US HIGHWAY 27, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 20 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (CITY COMMISSION DATES ARE Page 9 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026

_________________________________ ____________________________________ TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FIRST READING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AND SECOND READING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026) (Cronin-Dewey Robbins Residential SPUD) Chairman Sennett entertained a motion, and then the voting took place. Chairman Sennett called for a vote on the fourth case. Commissioner Sanders made a motion to APPROVE case # SPUD-25-814 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Bowersox made a motion to DENY case # SPUD-25-814 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Robertson SECONDED the motion. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Bowersox Yes Commissioner Robertson Yes Chairman Sennett No Commissioner Sanders No Commissioner Simeone Yes Commissioner O’Kelley Yes Four yeas, two nays, the Planning Commission disapproved case # SPUD-25-814 – CRONIN-DEWEY ROBBINS RESIDENTIAL – SMALL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. ANNOUNCEMENTS DISCUSSION ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Timothy H. Sennett, Chairman Sabrina Mitchell, Executive Assistant I Page 10 of 10 Summary Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Thursday, January 22, 2026