The Citrus County Commission has reversed its decision to sell a parcel of land, a move that has been met with both relief and criticism from various stakeholders. On Monday night, the commission voted to reconsider the sale of the land, which had been approved during a previous meeting.
The original decision to sell the land was made on January 10, 2023, when the commission voted 3-2 to approve the sale of approximately 12 acres of land located near the intersection of Northeast 1st Avenue and Northeast 95th Street in Crystal River. The buyer was identified as a private developer who planned to construct a new residential complex. However, concerns were raised by local residents regarding the potential impact on traffic, infrastructure, and the environment.
During the Monday night meeting, which took place at the Citrus County Historic Courthouse in downtown Inverness, commissioners heard from several residents who expressed their opposition to the land sale. Some argued that the land should be preserved for conservation or recreational purposes, while others raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic and strain on local resources.
The commission’s decision to reverse the land sale was made after a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Mike Johnson casting the dissenting vote. “We listened to the concerns of our constituents and decided that it was in the best interest of the county to reconsider the sale,” said Commission Chair, Mrs. Danielle Hayes. The county will now explore alternative uses for the land, including potential conservation or recreational projects.
Residents and stakeholders can find more information on the Citrus County Government website or by contacting the county’s planning department directly.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
