Land O’ Lakes residents oppose new townhome development plan.

Residents of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, are actively opposing a proposed development that aims to construct 178 townhome units in an already congested area of central Pasco County. This contentious plan, dubbed the Enclave at Livingston, is being put forth by Stanley Martin Homes, which seeks to rezone 46 acres from agricultural-residential use to a Master Planned Unit Development District. The targeted property is situated behind Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church along Collier Parkway, and the developer intends to acquire it from the Academy at the Lakes school.

The proposed townhome community would be accessible from 20 Mile Level Road, which currently can only be reached via westbound State Road 54, creating concerns about increased traffic in an area that residents already describe as congested. Though developers propose to link a portion of Livingston Road to 20 Mile Level, attendees at recent public meetings expressed strong opposition to the project.

A public informational meeting held by Tampa Civil Design at the church on May 12 revealed significant community opposition, as local residents voiced strong concerns about the implications of the development. The situation escalated during the Pasco County Planning Commission meeting on May 15, where approximately twelve residents pleaded with commissioners to deny the rezoning request. Following an extensive two-hour discussion, the developers requested additional time to refine their plans before presenting again on June 19.

Key issues raised by the community included worries about traffic congestion at critical intersections, especially those involving Collier Parkway and State Road 54. Residents highlighted that the addition of hundreds of new vehicles accessing 20 Mile Level Road would exacerbate existing delays, making what they already described as a “logistical nightmare” even more problematic. Many also pointed out that traffic has become increasingly burdensome on the four-mile stretch of Collier Parkway.

Traffic studies conducted by county planners indicate that these intersections currently experience failures during peak hours. While future plans suggest the potential construction of an overpass or interchange, local officials expressed skepticism about these proposals, considering them financially unfeasible.

In addition to traffic concerns, questions regarding school capacity arose. Current zoning would assign students from the Enclave to Sunlake High School, Rushe Middle School, and Lake Myrtle Elementary. School board member Chris Williams noted that the upcoming Skybrooke K-8 school, set to open for the 2025-26 academic year, was not included in the impact studies. He asserted that the three existing schools are not at capacity, and the new facility would help alleviate overcrowding.

Flooding issues also emerged as a significant concern during discussions. Residents recalled challenges faced during past hurricanes and attributed existing flooding to overdevelopment. In response, development representatives assured attendees that stormwater management plans involving retention ponds would be implemented with the new construction.

Despite the developer’s commitments, many residents questioned the tangible benefits to their community, particularly given that there are no plans to upgrade or pave 20 Mile Level Road in light of the proposed project. Additionally, community members expressed disappointment with the Academy at the Lakes for selling the property, which had previously been touted for potential expansion of educational and athletic facilities.

As this situation continues to unfold, residents remain vigilant and vocal regarding the potential impact of the Enclave at Livingston development on their community and quality of life. Community input will likely play a crucial role in the upcoming decision-making process.

This complex situation underscores the ongoing tension between development interests and community concerns about infrastructure, traffic management, and environmental sustainability in rapidly growing areas.

Media News Source