Highlands Today
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County OKs Plan For LP 'Equestrian Community'
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Published: July 24, 2008
LAKE PLACID - More than 1,500 acres of citrus groves about seven miles south of town, off the south side of S.R. 70, could become a top quality, 311-home "equestrian community."
Plans for the project, which would feature horse riding trails throughout the gated community, were approved Tuesday by the Highlands County Board of Commissioners.
In addition to riding trails, the proposed community also would feature a polo field, stables and a community clubhouse/recreation center, and more than 43,000 square feet of retail stores.
Homes would be on lots of between 1 to 5 acres, and all homeowners would be allowed to also build a guest house of about 600 square feet on their lot.
Construction is not expected to start until after 2010, depending on how quickly the housing market rebounds.
Richard Woodruff, senior vice president of the engineering/land planning firm WilsonMiller, told county officials this development would be "an extremely high quality equestrian community."
"One of the major amenities is the riding trail throughout the entire community," he added.
County Commissioner Don Bates, who represents the Lake Placid area, called the site "a beautiful piece of land suited for this type of development."
The site is 1,557 acres on the Veley Grove, owned by Lake Placid Groves. Its northern boundary and main road access would be the south side of S.R. 70, about a half mile east of U.S. 27.
County commissioners unanimously approved plans for this development, which was recommended for approval by the Highlands County Planning and Zoning Commission.
While this private community would be gated, it would feature a public horse riding trail along the eastern edge of the property, Woodruff said. That trail would run along the edge of the Lake Wales Ridge.
Also, while the stables, polo field and community club house would be private, some public equestrian events would be hosted there, possibly for 4-H and other groups, Woodruff said.
The equestrian facilities would be valued at "several million dollars" and "will be open from time to time to the community," Woodruff said. By "community," Woodruff was referring to the public and/or community organizations, not just the residents of this gated development.
Woodruff said plans are to host equestrian events "supported by the people of this community and of south Florida."
This development, which doesn't have a name yet, won't be built until the housing market grows to near the levels of 2004 and 2005, Woodruff said.
Asked by commissioners when construction might start, Woodruff answered that the owner might start seeking the next level of government approvals and permits in 2010.
Once construction starts, he said, the plan is to sell all the lots and complete construction of homes and amenities "within a 7 to 10-year market."
Jim Konkoly can be reached at 863-386-5855 or by e-mail at jkonkoly@highlandstoday.com
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