Many Marion County residents move to the northwest quadrant of Ocala to escape the urban sprawl and to be among large fields, green grass, and horses running freely.
However, one property owner along Highway 40 is wanting to sell her 400 acres of land to housing developers. The proposal would create more than 1,000 new homes on the property. With such a drastic increase in residential property, more businesses will also be attracted to the area.
Many neighbors are pushing back, claiming that one land owner should not be allowed to urbanize the entire area. There is concern that much of the character of the surrounding pastoral setting will be lost, as well as a lot of wildlife and its habitat.
No plans have been put in motion to build on the land yet. With so many concerns about preserving the wildlife property, many residents plan on attending the July 19 meeting in order to hopefully put a halt on such a massive development project.
Currently, the Ocala city planners are reviewing the construction proposal with the Marion County growth management team. Urban services, the availability of transportation networks, as well as the surrounding properties are all going to be taking into consideration when reviewing the proposal.
While the neighbors don't seem too keen on the plan, city and county agencies have yet to provide objections. The July 19 local meeting will take place at the McPherson Center, where this proposal will be decided on.
Visit WCJB.com for the full story.
