Clermont opposes 4,000 homes

The Daily Commercial - August 29, 2001
By MARCY J. LEVINSON
Daily Commercial Staff Writer

CLERMONT
City Council will write to the Lake Board of County Commissioners to let the county know Clermont is not in favor of an expansion of 4,000 homes near King’s Ridge.

A more than 1,200 acre stretch of land owned by Center Lake Properties, of which part is currently occupied by mining company Tarmac America, is on the agenda of the County Commission for a land-use change from rural to urban expansion.

Tarmac’s sand mine extracts commercial grade sand. But when the supply is exhausted, the land will be ripe for development.

Clermont City Councilwoman Elaine Renick opposes the development, which she feels would cause more damage to already over-crowded schools, strained water supply, and congested roadways.

“If we object to this together it carries more weight,” she said.

She told council that by taking a stand now would prevent the issue from coming before them in the future.

“If we as a ... body want to take a stand regarding it, I think we could,” said Robert Guthrie, city attorney.

All members agreed collectively to take a stand, and advise the county via a letter, that they are not in favor of the expansion.