Leesburg city council members pave the way for future commercial growth, rezoning a prime area of real estate.
31 acres at the intersection at Highway 19 and Robert B. Lee Drive are now cleared for commercial development.
A Dollar General is already under construction and developers say retailers are taking interest as that becomes the southern bypass for the city with the relocation of Robert. B. Lee Drive.
Part of the long term comprehensive plan in Leesburg will bring a lot of traffic through this area. It's no surprise retailers are interested in the property, because of the sheer volumes that could soon be passing by.
While Lee County has seen the lion's share of new development in recent years, Leesburg's City Council doesn't want to miss out on what might add up to beneficial tax revenue for the city.
"As tight as this market as been, yes, government has got to find creative ways to make retailers and businesses thrive, it's a difficult time the margins are tight in so many ways," said William Hancock of Webb Properties.
The rezoning of the 31 acres, could be the building block to the city's future development, it's already happening.
"You've seen the new Dollar General under construction there, that's part of our efforts that are starting to pay off and we've got two others that are trying to locate there," said Hancock.
It plays perfectly into the comprehensive plan that calls for relocating Robert B. Lee Drive in preparation for the new Lee County Elementary School.
"From the Bridge, State Route 32 to the bridge, to Robert B. Lee with that relocation that certainly will increase the traffic on Robert B. Lee," said Bob Alexander, Planning & Engineering Director.
The relocation will be put to voters in July as part of the regional T-SPLOST.
"It's pretty much agricultural land out there right now so, we certainly want to work with the property owners to minimize any impact that we would have in that area," said Alexander.
With the new YMCA just down the road, new construction underway, it's certain the city will see continued growth along the corridor.
The Dollar General here will open near the first of March, and developers say they could know more about new ventures here in the next three weeks.
Right of way work has also started on the northern Leesburg Bypass along Highway 19.
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