A proposal scheduled for review by the Sumter County Planning & Zoning Special Master on June 1 could bring a new residential development to approximately 263 acres at the southeast corner of County Road 476 and County Road 476B near Bushnell.

The applicant, C. Herman Beville Ranch East LTD, is requesting rezoning from agricultural and rural residential classifications to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for what is being described as a Conservation Subdivision.

According to county documents, the concept plan includes:

• 84 residential lots, generally ranging from about 1 to 3 acres in size.
• A future 10.5-acre neighborhood commercial tract.
• Common areas and amenities.
• Conservation areas intended to preserve portions of the property.

County staff noted an important issue during their review. While the concept plan identifies approximately 34% of the property as conservation area, county regulations require at least 50% of the property to be preserved within a conservation subdivision. Staff recommends approval only if the plan is revised to meet that requirement.

The proposal raises several questions likely to interest nearby residents:

• What businesses could eventually occupy the commercial tract?
• What traffic impacts will occur on CR 476 and CR 476B?
• Will road improvements be required before development moves forward?
• How will the final lot count change if the conservation area must be increased?

Public comments submitted to the county express concerns about traffic, preservation of agricultural land, impacts on county services, and maintaining the rural character of the area.

One statement in the county staff report stands out:

“The requested rezoning addresses a personal need and not a community need.”

Despite that observation, staff ultimately recommends approval with conditions.

The Planning & Zoning Special Master will consider the request on June 1. If recommended for approval, the proposal is expected to move to the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners for final consideration on June 23.

As always, OurSumter will continue following the proposal and any changes made during the review process.