LABELLE — A rezoning was requested at the regular meeting of the Hendry County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, May 26, to authorize the development of a residential community of 58 single-family detached homes to be built on the south side of Fort Denaud Road.

The proposed zoning covers approximately 114 acres and is supposed to provide enough land area to accommodate the proposed residential development, open space, stormwater management, and associated infrastructure without having adverse impacts to the surrounding properties or public facilities.

The development has plans to include a walking trail as well as minipark that will include playground equipment for children. The final design of the mini park is not yet determined but is set to include a dog park, a gazebo, benches and a picnic area.

Commissioner Mitchell Wills had several concerns with the current planning, one being the drainage. “My concern is once these entitlements are in place,” he said, “They’re not going to affect the people who live there now.” He explained that homes to the south of the proposed area already have an issue with flooding. “I want to make sure we don’t get this one wrong,” he stated.

He was also concerned about the nearby roads being able to sustain the increase in traffic that would come with adding 58 new homes to the area.

The board did not approve the zoning at this time but will revisit it after changes have been made that address the concerns of the board.