By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@VoiceofSouthMarion.com
In a recent session, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the masterplan for the Highland Belleview East Planned Unit Development (PUD), situated on nearly 53 acres at 7730 E Hwy 25 in Belleview. The planned development is located near the intersection of SE Hwy 25A and East Highway 25.
The proposal, spearheaded by The C-25 Group, LLC, received its initial approval in December 2020 for 174 residential units and up to 9.3 acres of commercial space. Discussions during the recent meeting primarily focused on modifications to the original plan, particularly adjustments to the development’s buffer.
Frank Almeida Jr., a longtime South Marion resident and owner of a family farm situated nearby the development, expressed his concerns about the changing rural landscape. “Somewhere along the line, you have to stop,” Almeida voiced, highlighting issues like shrinking lot sizes and the strain on local infrastructure. He remarked that lot sizes for new homes that at one time were 70’ in width are now routinely 40’. “Our infrastructure is so far behind,” Almeida added.
David Tillman from Tillman and Associates Engineering voiced an opposing view. “We’ve got thousands upon thousands of people moving to this community,” Tillman said, claiming the need to provide housing options beyond large lot sizes. “Do we cut our entire county up into 10-acre lots for them to come here and then we don’t have any of our big spacious farms anymore?” Tillman asked. The commissioners ultimately approved the revised PUD masterplan by unanimous vote, but denied a request involving moving the buffer.
