A proposed development in the Emeralda Marsh Rural Protection Area (RPA) has caused confusion among some residents, who mistakenly believe the project involves rezoning part of the state park in Leesburg. The developer, the Legacy Group, wants to clarify that the land in question is privately owned and is not part of the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area which is owned by the state.

The proposed development is planned for a piece of land near Harbor Hills in Lake County, within the boundaries of the Emeralda Marsh RPA, but distinct from the state-owned marshlands. This land is privately owned, and its development falls under local planning and zoning regulations, not state conservation laws.

“There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding,” Mandy Wettstein, spokesperson for the Legacy Group says. “It is suggested that the development was related to the Emeralda Marsh State Park in Leesburg, which is not accurate. Our project is focused on privately owned land near Harbor Hills and is part of the Emeralda Marsh RPA, not the state park.”

Mandy emphasized that property owners have the right to propose development on their land and will go through the lawful review process.

“These property rights must be recognized in a fair and balanced review process,” Mandy says.

The proposal, which includes the development of 868 residential units, some of which will be townhomes, is hopeful to go before the planning and zoning board in October. The Legacy Group has stressed that they are not seeking to build on any state-preserved lands and that all development plans will comply with local and state regulations.

The clarification comes as Lake County continues to grapple with rapid growth and development, balancing property rights with conservation efforts.

Residents interested in learning more about the proposed development or participating in the public hearing process can attend the planning and zoning meeting scheduled for October.

The proposed development by the Legacy Group in the Emeralda Marsh Rural Protection Area (RPA) involves the following key details:

1. Location: The development is planned for a piece of privately owned land near Harbor Hills in Lake County. This land falls within the Emeralda Marsh RPA but is not part of the Emeralda Marsh State Park in Leesburg.
2. Number of Residential Units: The development proposal includes the construction of 868 residential units. These will consist of a mix of housing types, including single-family homes and townhomes.
3. Conservation Efforts: The project will include a multitude of conservation efforts.
4. Current Status in the Planning Process: The project is scheduled to be reviewed at the planning and zoning meeting in October. This review is a critical step where public comments are welcomed, and the developer will present their project for approval in accordance with local regulations.