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Festival Lakes gains commission's OK
Several members of Leesburg Planning Commission were hesitant to recommend approval of plans to build 275 houses on 105 acres north of Leesburg.But the commission ultimately voted 5-2-0 Nov. 1 to recommend building of the residential development on PMW Farms Property, more commonly known as "Festival Lakes."
The two commissioners who opposed the plans were Kathryn Miller and Thomas Dunn.
“Would you consider other uses for this property?” Dunn asked Michael Capretti, the development representative, before the commission voted.
Dunn, also a member of the town's Economic Development Commission, said he would be more likely to recommend development on the property that would less impact neighboring schools and be more likely to boost Leesburg's economic growth.
Capretti responded to Dunn's question by saying he had been hired for this residential project, but he was meeting with residents from neighboring communities who had voiced concerns about too much growth in the area at an Oct. 4 public hearing.
Others on the commission argued that although they didn't want additional housing in northern Leesburg, this might be the best offer they could get.
“The open space is higher than what's required,” said Commissioner David Butler, while listing the development plans' strengths. “This is much more pedestrian friendly. Overall [it's] a net positive for the town.”
The application also complies with the town's density requirements, he said.
Many of the commissioners referred to the property as the hole in a doughnut. The surrounding properties were populated with housing developments; thus it would be unfair to say no to Festival Lakes developers just because they were last to fill in the area with residential, said Councilman Kevin Wright, a non-voting commissioner.
The developers are offering the town more than $6 million in proffered improvements. Of this, $4.8 million would go toward schools.
The Planning Commission's Nov. 1 decision is just the first step for Festival Lakes to become a residential neighborhood.
If the developers of Festival Lakes get approval from Leesburg Town Council, site plans and other design details will still need to gain the town's approval.
No date has been scheduled for the council to review the Planning Commission's recommendation of approval.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
So, we have 105 acres, but only 59 being used for homes - 135 townhomes (at half a million dollars), and 140 homes worth almost a million dollars? This is nuts. I can't believe the Town is remotely considering this proposal!
Posted by Waya
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