Marion County — Out of fear of being sued, Marion County commissioners approved a request to rezone over 22 acres of land next to On Top of the World, located at 8441 SW 9th Street, Ocala.
The land will now be overdeveloped with a 312-unit apartment complex and will sit right next to the retirement community. The complex is being built by Continental Properties.
Tillman and Associates, LLC requested a public hearing on the issue on behalf of landowners and On Top of the World Communities, LLC.
During the meeting, commissioners admitted they approved the deal out of fear of being sued by the developer.
Residents feel that the complex is not a fit for the area.
County Commissioner Michelle Stone is the only commissioner who agreed with residents.
The development is expected to substantially impact the area negatively.
Unlike other counties, Marion County does not attempt to protect land.
Instead, the county allows for the over-development of structures such as gas stations, storage units, and car washes.
The county has received hundreds of letters of opposition to the development.
However, in the end, the concerns of those who live nearby did not matter.
After five hours of comments, the commission voted in favor of Continental Properties.
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