The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss the proposed Greenway Reserve subdivision, which aims to develop 55 single-family residential lots on 12.67 acres. The project has been designed with planned development zoning and includes specific setbacks of 15 feet in the front, 5 feet on the sides, and 10 feet for corner lots, with each lot measuring a minimum of 4,400 square feet.

The subdivision will feature a network of roads, with a primary access point through Northeast 20 Fifth Avenue and a secondary access via Northeast 20 Eighth Avenue, designated for emergency use only. The city engineer's office has recommended approval of the conceptual plan, contingent upon a developer's agreement being finalized prior to the acceptance of the final plat application.

However, the meeting highlighted significant community concerns regarding traffic congestion. Local residents voiced their apprehensions about the impact of the new homes on already strained roadways. Mary Ann Mylan, a nearby resident, expressed her worries about the adequacy of the existing two-lane roads, particularly with the addition of approximately 750 vehicles from the new subdivision and nearby developments, including Emerson Point, which is currently under construction.

Mylan pointed out that the roads leading to the subdivision are not equipped to handle the increased traffic, raising fears of severe congestion and safety issues. Another resident, Anthony Burke, echoed these concerns, noting that traffic conditions have already become dangerous in the area. He suggested that the city may soon need to install additional traffic lights to manage the growing volume of vehicles.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the tension between development and infrastructure capacity in Ocala. As the city continues to grow, the challenge of balancing new housing projects with adequate transportation planning remains a critical issue for local officials and residents alike. The commission's approval of the Greenway Reserve subdivision, while a step towards addressing housing demands, raises important questions about the future of traffic management and community safety in the area.