Clermont residents want to keep commercial businesses away from neighborhood

CLERMONT, Fla. — Some Lake County homeowners are fighting changes to the types of businesses the county may allow near their property.

Some residents who live on Mandarin Circle, Jefferson Street and a few other blocks off State Road 50 near Clermont don't want commercial businesses being built near their homes.

Amy Wright is leading a group of homeowners opposed to a change in the way several acres behind their neighborhood can be developed.

Up until now, the county allowed only office space along that stretch of 50.  But the owners of the vacant parcels want the right to build commercial type businesses, which the neighbors said means more noise, traffic and possible shops that are open 24/7.

"The list is endless.  The list is endless.  Whatever retail operation they want to put in there could go in there," said homeowner Amy Wright. "Pine Hills is going to eventually turn into Highway 50 in Clermont.  That's what's coming.  If they continue to allow noncompatible businesses next to residential property, it's going to continue to happen."

The county will make a decision next wek.

WFTV