MOUNT DORA _ More than 200 people attended the July 12, 2016 Access Management Public Hearing hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation for Wekiva Parkway Sections 3A, 3B and 5. The hearing _ which included an open house, a formal presentation and a public testimony period _ took place from 530 p.m. - 730 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center, 520 N. Baker Street in Mount Dora.
Members of the public submitted 19 comment forms. Four people spoke during the public testimony period, and one person testified to the court reporter.The public comment period continues through July 26, 2016; information from the public during that time will become part of the hearing record. All comments will be responded to in writing.
Among the officials attending the public hearing were: Mount Dora City Council members Cal Rolfson and Ed Rowlett, and former Mayor Jim Yatsuk; TJ Fish of the Lake Sumter MPO; Jim Stivender, Lake County Public Works Director; and, Morgan Hatfield from State Rep. Jennifer Sullivan's office.
There were a number of repeated concerns, including noise and proximity issues, impacts to quality of life / property values, access management (having to make U-turns), removal of trees and impacts to wildlife, and impacts on local roads. Many other comments were positive, with folks saying the project is needed and will help them in their travels greatly.
To view documents and exhibits from the hearing, click here.
