Saint Gertrude CFD amendment to add seven clergy units tabled after residents cite noise, access and residential-character concerns

Neighbors told the board of persistent noise, late-night amplification and traffic tied to activities at the Saint Gertrude retreat; several speakers said code enforcement and sheriff's calls had not resolved the problem. "My main complaint is the noise," David Hardenbrook told the board, saying music and PA systems were audible across the lake and sometimes played through the night.

The applicant said the proposal would add seven deed-restricted congregate units limited to clergy and affiliated personnel to provide on-site accommodations and that they intend to maintain retreat attendance limits. Board members questioned whether the units were effectively permanent residential housing and whether the requested waiver to pave Lake Unity Nursery Road (a county-maintained clay road) was appropriate given gaps in deeded right-of-way. The board withdrew a motion to deny and instead voted to table the item to Nov. 4 to allow the applicant and staff to refine the ordinance language and address neighbors' concerns.