During a recent government meeting, residents of Harbor Hills expressed significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the local development plan, particularly the removal of 104.49 acres from the Harbor Hills Planned Unit Development (PUD). Community members questioned whether this change would reduce the number of developer-owned lots available for new homes and whether the current homeowner association, controlled by the developer, would ever transition to resident control.

Residents also raised issues about the comprehensive plan for Lake County, which has been in effect since 2010 and is set to last until 2030. Questions were posed about who evaluates changes to this plan and whether proposed modifications align with existing regulations.

One resident, John Entzminger, voiced strong opposition to the rezoning of land, emphasizing the loss of natural habitats and the impact on local wildlife, particularly sandhill cranes. He lamented the rapid development that has transformed the area from agricultural land to residential lots, urging officials to preserve the region's natural beauty for future generations.

Concerns about infrastructure were also highlighted, with residents pointing out that local roads are inadequately maintained and not designed to handle increased traffic from new developments. Rick Harper, another community member, provided detailed observations about the condition of local roads and the potential dangers posed by their narrow widths.

Valerie Forrest, a realtor and environmental advocate, warned that unplanned growth could threaten local water quality, emphasizing the importance of responsible development practices.

As discussions continued, residents expressed a collective desire for transparency and accountability in the planning process, urging commissioners to consider the long-term implications of their decisions on the community's character and environment. The meeting underscored a growing tension between development interests and the preservation of the area's natural landscape, reflecting broader concerns about sustainable growth in Lake County.