Wildwood commissioners voted Tuesday night to annex 20 acres along Marsh Bend Trail despite the objection of about 30 area residents at the meeting.
Villages residents live on three sides of the property and they fear it will be developed as multi-family, high density housing.
Construction is under way on an adjacent property, where 130 single-family homes are planned on 15 acres as part of the Zora-Wildwood project. A portion of that site along Marsh Bend Trail is planned for commercial development.
But residents focused on the proposed Pointe Grand Wildwood project on the 20 annexed acres.
Terry Wooding said the owner may be planning a high-density development that would not fit with the neighborhood.
Until details of the development plan are revealed, he said, residents can’t say whether they oppose or favor the project.
“We’re opposed to the annexation because we don’t have the facts,” he said.
Scott Bower said apartments or condominiums “would not be compatible or enhance the surrounding area.”
He said the zoning should be limited to single-family homes.
Representing the developer, Orlando attorney Logan Opsahl said a Zoom meeting is scheduled for 5:30 pm Thursday to provide area residents with some of the development plans. Meeting details are available from Wildwood officials at 352-330-1330.
Wildwood Development Director Melanie Peavy said the annexation is the first step for the project and public hearings will be held by the Planning and Zoning Board as well as the City Commission on the comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning petition and site plan.
Mayor Ed Wolf said there is a laser focus on demand for property in Wildwood and higher land prices mean developers want more extensive projects to recoup their investment.
“This property is going to be annexed into the city,” he said. “These developers are going to try to get everything they can get on that property.”
