LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County commissioners on Tuesday rejected a settlement agreement that would have cleared the way for a 79-unit subdivision in unincorporated Clermont, handing a victory to neighbors who have fought the development for months.
What You Need To Know
Commissioners voted against the Crescent Pines subdivision, a proposed 79-unit development on Priebe Road
KB Home Orlando LLC sought to rezone 40-plus acres to increase the allowable home count from 49 to 79
Nearby residents have protested the plan since October 2025, citing existing flooding issues and traffic congestion
The developer may still build up to 49 homes under current zoning or restart the application process entirely
The decision blocks the developer from changing the land’s designation from urban residential to a planned unit development. Commissioners originally denied the application in November, citing concerns over traffic, flooding, drainage and solid waste. While the developer returned with a slightly reduced lot count and plan revisions, officials said the changes failed to address core issues.
“I’m not going to support the settlement. It’s still not consistent in my mind with the comprehensive development regulations,” Commissioner Sean Parks said.
Residents of the nearby Martins Landing neighborhood argued that the increased density would worsen drainage problems in an area already prone to runoff.
“It was everything we could have hoped for. They stood on their decision and agreed with us,” resident Allison Sickman said. “Flooding is the primary concern since this area already experiences a lot of flooding, and especially the neighborhoods here at Martins Landing. The water runoff goes into their backyards.”
Other neighbors noted that while some growth is inevitable, the proposed density was too high for the local infrastructure.
“If they come in here and build 49 homes, we can’t stop the growth, but we’re not going to come in here and build another small city in my backyard,” resident Richard Fisher said.
Commissioner Leslie Campione noted that a lower-density project would likely mitigate the environmental impact on the area.
“If they went to the 49 they are allowed by law, there would be much bigger lots, less runoff, and less impacts to the community. And for that reason, I support the motion to deny this settlement,” Campione said.
KB Homes Orlando LLC has not responded to requests for comment on the commissioners’ decision.