A new lakefront subdivision is planned for St. Cloud. They're calling it Hanover Lakes.

The development site is located west of Hickory Tree Road and north of Alligator Lake Road.

  • New development on Alligator Lake could add 500 homes
  • Some local residents concerned about overcrowding, pollution
  • County officials say nothing has been finalized just yet, and residents should speak out if they're unhappy

While some are looking forward to having a home with a view, others including a few longtime residents, aren't as keen on the idea.

Thomas Murray has lived on Alligator Lake in St. Cloud for more than 50 years, and he isn't a fan of the proposal.

“This is my lake,” Murray said. “I live on this lake, like I told you. My kids were born and raised in this lake. It means everything to me.”

Five-hundred homes, along with a boat lift, are being proposed for the site.  

“Just the out of control development on this lake is scaring me,” Murray said.

Jenny Welch is the president of Pine Lily Chapter Florida Native Plant Society. She's worried that all the construction might contribute to the algae blooms along the coast.

“Osceola County needs to get on board with that and start using our native plants to filter out these nutrients before they get sent south,” Welch said.

The zoning for this project was approved by the county commission earlier this year. Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins said they’re making decisions while taking the chain of lakes into account.

“They are a natural part of Osceola County we do want to protect,” said Hawkins.

Detailed plans regarding how the subdivision will be built rest on the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, though, only one acre of dredging has been proposed by the developer -- and that the environmental resource permit for this project would be quite extensive. On the otherhand the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says they are currently evaluating the proposal, and are also taking into consideration concerns from residents. There is no tentative date on a decision.

“This is not a done deal it’s what people need to know," started Jawkins. "And their comments whether be environmental or use of the lake anything are still open for public comment to the different agencies for approval."

At Monday’s meeting the county commission passed a temporary ban on any future developments with boat lifts. As for Murray, he wants this lake to be here for his grandchildren and hopes more boat lifts aren’t built.

“Just rebuilt the boat slip that is already here," Murray added. "Then everybody could use the boat slip, as we’re not dredging in Alligator Lake."