[MarioNappa]

This monthly series keeps you up to date on the most important planning, zoning, and development issues shaping Leesburg. In this episode, we dive into:

✅ Commentary on the hidden costs of unchecked growth in Leesburg
✅ Transportation infrastructure shortfalls and funding proposals
✅ Water and sewer capacity issues tied to explosive development
✅ Major projects reviewed in August:
• Oak Ridge Subdivision (910 homes on 596 acres)
• Margaretta Estates (586 homes at CR 48 & Number 2 Road)
• Royal Highlands rezoning proposal (48 townhomes on 7.5 acres)
• Dilly Lake Multifamily & Convenience Store Project (300 apartments + gas station)
• Kalos Services Headquarters & Workforce Housing Project
✅ The controversial land donation to Fast Pass, approved 4–1
✅ The City Manager's quarter million dollar salary

🎥 New episodes are released the first week of each month and typically run about 10 minutes. If you’d like location details on the projects discussed, check the description for directions and additional resources.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an update on how growth and planning decisions affect YOU and the future of Leesburg.

https://youtu.be/GFZWNSRmHNs

[Aces4]

I can only think that soon this whole area in Florida will be a congested mess shortly. It's far from the bucolic feelings we enjoyed when we first moved here. Progress sucks lately.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Aces4

I can only think that soon this whole area in Florida will be a congested mess shortly. It's far from the bucolic feelings we enjoyed when we first moved here. Progress sucks lately.

All this building etc. is slowly coming down. The cost of homes is too high. Some think the interest rates just need to change, that is the small piece of the larger problem. People know that interest rates don’t make property taxes, insurance rates, maintenance and repair costs any cheaper! Once we get to where pricing should be, then your perceived explosion will really happen. What you see right now is just a residual effect in development. It will all go away.

Just think of all this as a big ship slowly trying to turn.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Normal

All this building etc. is slowly coming down. The cost of homes is too high. Some think the interest rates just need to change, that is the small piece of the larger problem. People know that interest rates don’t make property taxes, insurance rates, maintenance and repair costs any cheaper! Once we get to where pricing should be, then your perceived explosion will really happen. What you see right now is just a residual effect in development. It will all go away.

Just think of all this as a big ship slowly trying to turn.

Interest rates should hold right where they are simply because of the ongoing inflation. Prices will not decrease if money is cheap to borrow. The new proposed, apparently, rates of SS benefits for 2026 aren't going to help much with the rising costs. Most realize that those increases are not for covering all costs but when they hardly make a ding many seniors are struggling. When SS benefits are based on earnings back twenty years ago, the earnings, savings and retirement benefits then were much lower and some retirement benefits are gone.

[bopat]

With all this growth we’ll have a Trader Joe’s soon!

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Aces4

Interest rates should hold right where they are simply because of the ongoing inflation. Prices will not decrease if money is cheap to borrow. The new proposed, apparently, rates of SS benefits for 2026 aren't going to help much with the rising costs. Most realize that those increases are not for covering all costs but when they hardly make a ding many seniors are struggling. When SS benefits are based on earnings back twenty years ago, the earnings, savings and retirement benefits then were much lower and some retirement benefits are gone.

I agree, the Federal Reserve’s 12 member voting panel won’t cut rates till the inflationary pressure is down. No one wants to see 2023 repeat itself. The last meeting we saw 9 members voting against any cuts and 3 voting for a.25 cut. If inflation keeps its current trajectory the same announcement will be made on the 17th. Weller really doesn’t have anyone in his corner for this round either. Powell will likely announce the board is keeping rates where they are. Tariffs are still a large uncertainty. Some big box stores are already laying the groundwork for price increases. IMHO I don’t see them absorbing the continued cost surge.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Normal

I agree, the Federal Reserve’s 12 member voting panel won’t cut rates till the inflationary pressure is down. No one wants to see 2023 repeat itself. The last meeting we saw 9 members voting against any cuts and 3 voting for a.25 cut. If inflation keeps its current trajectory the same announcement will be made on the 17th. Weller really doesn’t have anyone in his corner for this round either. Powell will likely announce the board is keeping rates where they are. Tariffs are still a large uncertainty. Some big box stores are already laying the groundwork for price increases. IMHO I don’t see them absorbing the continued cost surge.

Agree and if the crazy, IMHO, development of open property continues in this area it will be like living in NYC shortly.

[mrf6969]

Originally Posted by Aces4

I can only think that soon this whole area in Florida will be a congested mess shortly. It's far from the bucolic feelings we enjoyed when we first moved here. Progress sucks lately.

Just like so many were complaining that the traffic around the new Costco was to be a nightmare. Never happened.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by mrf6969

Just like so many were complaining that the traffic around the new Costco was to be a nightmare. Never happened.

Oh, report back in 2-3 months when the bubble inflates.