Board recommends deannexation of 3105 Hartsock Saw Mill Road; staff cites conservation easement

The Town of Lady Lake Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of a deannexation for a roughly 53-acre parcel at 3105 Hartsock Saw Mill Road owned by Chase Collins.

Planning staff explained the parcel’s history: it was annexed in 2007 as part of a larger subdivision project that never materialized, rezoned in 2015 to allow an RV park that also never proceeded, and in 2018 a conservation easement was recorded that is “very restrictive,” limiting buildable area to a two-acre pad and removing property tax assessment. “Because of the conservation easement, this property is not assessed any property taxes, so the town would not be losing any type of tax revenue from this property,” Rebecca said.

Staff recommended approval of the deannexation on the grounds that the owner seeks land uses more typical of unincorporated areas (hunting blinds, small farm), the property is not served by town utilities and much of the land is subject to a restrictive conservation easement. Board members asked clarifying questions about prior rezoning, the easement’s permanence and what development (if any) is permitted. Rebecca confirmed the easement is in perpetuity and that the property is not on town-maintained roads or services.

The planning board moved, voted and recommended approval; the item is scheduled for the Town Commission first hearing on April 6 and a final reading on April 20.