Despite the concerns of two area residents, Wildwood commissioners Monday night approved the closure of a portion of County Road 569 at the far south end of The Villages property near Center Hill.
Through the Buffalo Hide and Cattle Co., a Villages entity, the Developer owns the land on both sides and the closure would be at the road’s dead end.
About 1,265 linear feet of the 18-foot-wide road would be closed and the land would revert to the Developer.
A resolution stated that vehicle traffic on that portion of the road would inhibit The Villages expansion.
City Manager Jason McHugh said Wildwood would have maintenance costs if the road weren’t closed.
Resident Mark Fletcher said the “pretty and peaceful” tree-lined road portion is used by area residents for walking and horseback riding.
“It’s used like a multi-use trail,” he said. “The closure would affect a lot of people.”
Suzy Stockwell said the road would close at her property line. While she doesn’t oppose it, she has concerns about vehicles having space to turn around at the dead end.
Melanie Strickland, the city’s planning and development director, said the Developer seems willing to work with area residents.