A proposal to allow mining on some underdeveloped land in the Villages of Southern Oaks got a cool reception Tuesday from Special Magistrate W. Grant Watson at a meeting of the Wildwood Planning and Zoning Board.
The Villages sought Watson’s recommendation for approval of an amendment to its land-use plan that would have allowed lime rock mining and forestry on its lands that are not yet ready for home development.
But Watson said he would not recommend approval of the amendment. His recommendations go to the City Commission, which will decide whether to approve it.
“Mining is a pretty intensive use,” Watson said. “It delves into issues of air quality and water quality. I think it can cause some confusion.”
He said mining is better handled through conditional use permits and special exceptions to zoning instead of the blanket approval in the amendment.
The amendment also could cause problems with other agricultural land owners who may assume they have a right to mining without special permission, Watson said.
The amendment would allow mining and silviculture, or forest development, on Villages lands that are designated for agriculture or age-restricted development. It also would allow dairies, animal grazing and the growing of crops and flowers on agricultural land.
Darrin Taylor, an attorney representing The Villages, said there is a 20-year plan for the land and mining would be a temporary use until it is ready for residential and commercial development.
He said the amendment also would help resolve a conflict between the comprehensive plan and the city’s land-use code over when mining is allowed.
Taylor said the amendment also would be a “bridge” to a more comprehensive agreement soon to be considered between The Villages and Wildwood.
He said mining is regulated by the state’s environmental and water management departments and the amendment would save Wildwood from duplicating those efforts.
Besides mining and forestry, the amendment also would allow race tracks, tourist attractions and golf courses on land designated for recreation.
Watson did recommend that the commission approve a fifth amendment to the Villages of Southern Oaks development plan that adds eight scattered parcels. The largest is off County Road 470, about a mile north of the Coleman federal prison.
Watson recused himself from offering a recommendation of a site plan for a Duke Energy substation along the north side of the Florida Turnpike to serve Southern Oaks. SECO is involved in the project and Watson said his law firm represents that company.
The 95-acre substation would include 19.5-acre and 1.6-acre Duke Energy yards and a 2.3-acre SECO yard, as well as other improvements.
