Packed courtroom, resident opposition and a summary judgment mark a key moment in the Walden Lake redevelopment fight.
A legal dispute between the City of Plant City and Walden Lake LLC over redevelopment of a former golf course continued Thurs, Jan. 8, when Judge Michael S. Williams ruled from the bench, granting the City’s motion for a summary judgment and directing its attorneys to prepare the final judgment in a case that has drawn strong reaction from residents.
The two-and-a-half-hour hearing took place in a packed Hillsborough County courtroom, where opponents of the proposed development filled the gallery. Many wore red in a show of solidarity against the project.
Walden Lake LLC, who filed the complaint in 2023, sought court approval to force the city to accept and process development plans for 1,530 multifamily units and 468 townhomes on approximately 319.26 acres of the former Walden Lake Gold Course, which has been closed for more than a decade. Attorneys argued the proposal qualified for administrative approval under Florida’s Live Local Act, a 2023 law intended to accelerate affordable housing construction by requiring local governments to authorize the development of multifamily residential and mixed-use developments on sites zoned for mixed-use residential, commercial or industrial purposes, in which at least 40 percent of the residential units are, for a period of at least 30 years, affordable as defined in Florida Statutes. Attorneys for the developer made the argument that because there was some commercial business that was conducted at the golf course clubhouse and pro shop, and business taxes were paid, that should qualify the property as commercial use.
City officials countered that the property in question does not meet zoning requirements outlined in the statute and said the city acted within its authority when it declined to advance the proposal.
The dispute centered on how the Live Local Act applies to the Walden Lake property, which sits inside an established planned unit development (PUD).
For residents of Walden Lake, the case has been a flashpoint after years of uncertainty over the property. As spectators filed out of the courtroom, it was clear they were pleased with the decision. “There were quiet discussions as we all made our way to the parking lot, with some questions about where things may go from here,” said Walden Lake resident Alan Blanton, who was pleased with Judge Williams’ ruling in the Summary Judgement Hearing. “I believe the fact that his ruling was based on the protection of the original fundamental foundation that Walden Lake was established as a Planned Unit Development lays a precedent that hopefully protects the property values, property rights and quality of life for all homeowners who have their major life investment in their personal homes here in Plant City and all of the State of Florida,” he said.
Blanton said the judge’s analogy of the Walden Lake attorneys’ argument was humorous. “He said it would be like somebody has 50 acres with a house on it with a chicken coop in the backyard, and every now and then decides to sell fresh eggs, so that makes it commercial use. “He said that didn’t make any sense,” said Blanton.
All laughing aside, attorneys on both sides are still busy at work. City of Plant City attorney Ken Buchman said the city’s attorneys will prepare the final judgment. “Nothing is final until the final judgment is entered by the Court,” he said.
While Judge Williams ruled from the bench, as of Tuesday, he has not yet issued a written order on the parties’ motions for summary judgment. A draft order has not yet been submitted by Plant City’s counsel for Judge William’s consideration.
The wheels of justice turn slowly, even as Walden Lake residents are eager to see the matter resolved. “I hope going forward that all sides can find a solution that is workable for the developers, the homeowners of Walden Lake, and the City to resolve this matter once and for all,” said Blanton.
