Argument heats up over Clermont traffic light controversy

CLERMONT, Fla. — Some residents in the gated Summit Greens community in Clermont have been fighting for a decade to add a light at the intersection of North Hancock Road and Diamond Club, but Channel 9 has learned of another plan that has some questioning whether the cost is necessary.

Turning on to Hancock Road from Summit Greens can be tricky, and Judy Proli has been fighting for 10 years to have a light added there.

Channel 9 spoke to Proli in November after learning the city could put up $20,000 toward the $150,000 county cost to add a light at the intersection.

But Lake County already has plans to add a light a short distance up the road at Hancock Road and Oakley Seaver.

Lake County Hospital sits at the other end of the road, and once there's enough traffic to warrant a traffic light, one will be installed, officials said.

Summit Greens resident Anne Ferarri believes the option is much better.

"I think if you use caution and common sense, look left, right and left, you're fine," she said. "Where they need a light is the intersection before this."

The intersections are only an eighth of a mile apart, leaving even those who support a light at Summit Greens to question whether it's necessary.

The decision will ultimately be up to Lake County commissioners to decide whether to accept Clermont's money toward a light. They've approved and then disapproved adding a light at Summit Greens in the past.

The Clermont City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to offer the city money to commissioners for a light.

WFTV