Wetlands to homes: Longwood residents raise concerns over potential development
LONGWOOD, Fla. —
A proposed development in Longwood could replace 52 acres of protected wetlands at the end of Meadowbend Drive with 95 homes, sparking concerns about flooding, traffic, and wildlife preservation.
Sean Boyle, a 16-year resident of the subdivision, described the area as rich in wildlife.
“There are Florida panthers back there,” Boyle said. “We have wild deer, we’ve got turkey.”
Currently, the land is protected, but during a Monday night meeting, Longwood commissioners voted 3-2 to potentially change its status. Developers hope to build single-family detached homes around a lake, which would overtake the wetlands.
Matthew McMillan, city commissioner for district three, explained the type of housing proposed.
“More of your regular residential, single-family detached homes as opposed to the rural estates which we mentioned, which is more of the four-acre lots where, what it is currently back there,” McMillan said.
Commissioner Matt Morgan opposed the motion, expressing concerns about preserving natural habitats.
“We have certain habitats that need to remain uninterrupted because they’re all gone by the wayside,” Morgan said.
Residents of the Meadowlands subdivision are worried about flooding and emergency vehicle access if the development moves forward.
“That road floods every time we get more than 2 or 3 inches of rain. These 50 acres, when it is developed, will absolutely cause downstream flooding,” Boyle said.
He also highlighted the potential impact on traffic.
“That will generate somewhere around 500 trips a day on these little one-lane roads,” Boyle said.
Boyle stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the issue.
“This is a war on what we have remaining as far as the natural state of Seminole County and frankly, the developers are winning,” Boyle said.
Commissioner McMillan said that the city plans to request a land use change, which will then be presented to the Seminole County Commission for a final decision.