A $40 million renovation project on one of Brevard County's largest landmarks has come to a halt.

According to the county the Cocoa Expo didn't have some permits, and now there is concern that environmental laws may have been broken.

The Cocoa Expo has been in a race to redevelop the sprawling site in time to attract athletic teams and clubs from across the country for baseball and softball training early next year.

New owners plan to revamp the baseball fields, demolish and rebuild a new gym and add other facilities.

But the plans don't sit well with the few homeowners that remain around the property.

"There's no way for the emergency vehicles to get to us when the road is backed up," said area resident Susan Young.

Nearby residents have complained about noise, lighting and traffic when events like carnivals and concerts have been held in the expo.

They have asked the board to ensure a large buffer between planned improvements.

Homeowner Robin Wright said he is concerned about the rainwater runoff.

"If my property gets flooded, I'm going to have a problem," said Wright.

County officials said renovation work on the expo started before the complete site plan was approved and without all the permits in place.

Inspectors from the St. Johns River Water Management District are investigating whether wetlands were already filled in in the process.

Planning Board member Clyde Thodey said he wondered what the hurry was.

"I just think we are pushing and pushing and pushing this," said Thodey.

Owners of the expo said time is of the essence and they are trying to get people to work.

The possible wetlands in question are not on the current site of the Cocoa Expo, they are on some property the expo bought across the street to turn into new parking.

Soil experts are expected to be on the site later this week to take samples and see if the plot meets the state definition of wetlands.