Windermere takes steps on Rosser

WINDERMERE — The Windermere Town Council unanimously approved the first hearing on rezoning of 10 acres at 9501 Conroy Windermere Road as the first step in the potential development of Rosser Reserve on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

The developers agreement and preliminary development plan also passed as part of a package vote. The plan currently calls for 13 units, and the 10 acres were rezoned from agriculture to planned unit development.

Members of the council had plenty of concerns about the details of the plan, though.

“I’m a little concerned about having no left-hand-turn lane,” Council Member Mike Pirozzolo said. “I’m concerned about the size and scale of the sign, and let me just say broadly that (the developers) talk a lot about being consistent with the town, when in fact, they’re trying to be consistent with other areas in Orange County. There’s very nice homes on the other side of the street there, so we need to blend with them, and we’d like it to be less grand and more consistent with the town. We need to address emergency vehicle access on the north end.”

Other concerns included stormwater systems and how tall and far walls and columns of the development would be, relative to the road.

The council was generally positive toward the developers’ proposal.

“It’s well thought out; it’s well laid out; it’s obviously very nice,” Council Member Jim O’Brien said. “I know we’re looking for that grand feel (with the walls), but we just want to make sure that you scale it, and we hear you, but also, here among residents in the community, that is going to be a little jarring to some folks. You could meet the security needs, the pricing needs and the noise-level needs while just lessening some of that imposing issue.”

Developers will pay $40,000 in fees for the impact of construction and traffic on the town as part of the developers agreement, should the council approve the entire project.

Across Conroy Windermere Road from the proposed development area, on the southern side, is the Isleworth development, which includes the Isleworth Country Club. To the west is Jennifer Lane, and to the east is Lake Down, with the Lake Down boat ramp at the edge of the southeast corner of the possible development site. To the north is Rosser Road, named so after the sole family that lives on it and made possible the development of the 10 acres south of that home.

GUESTHOUSE VARIANCE

The council approved the request of Corey and Susan Shea for a variance to allow the construction of a 2,100-square-foot detached structure to serve as a garage and guesthouse, with the Windermere Development Review Board recommending approval. This structure will be in front of a proposed new home on the 300 block of Palm Street, near Palmer Park and Lake Butler.

IN OTHER NEWS

• Mayor Gary Bruhn recognized Florida’s First Responder Appreciation Week in honor of the town’s police department, as part of a special proclamation.

• The council unanimously passed a new vote processing equipment use agreement and elections services contract for municipal elections in 2015.

• Council Member Molly Rose proposed free admission for the town’s elected officials to functions sponsored by the town, as a service to the community.

• Council Member Richard Gonzalez suggested the beautification of town entrances with certain small- to medium-height trees.

•  Tasers should arrive next month for police, with use of force training to follow, said Chief of Police Dave Ogden.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].