A long-planned residential community in Lakeland is one step closer to moving forward after receiving additional time to complete its development plans.
During its July 16 meeting, the Lakeland Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a three-year extension to the sewer concept plan for the proposed Arcadia residential development. The approximately 115-acre community is planned east of Seed Tick Road and west of Memphis-Arlington Road, just north of Lakeland Elementary School.
Originally approved in 2007, the Arcadia development was envisioned as a conservation-style neighborhood featuring 126 custom homes built in two phases around a 14-acre lake. While progress on the project was delayed for several years due to sewer infrastructure challenges, developers told commissioners those issues have now been resolved, allowing the project to move forward.
The development is being led by Belz Enterprises in partnership with Vince and Val Smith, the developers behind Lakeland Town Square and Ashmont. Representatives said they are working to update portions of the original plan while preserving the community’s defining design features.
Mayor Josh Roman said he is generally cautious about approving extensions for residential developments but believes Arcadia presents a unique opportunity for Lakeland. He noted that quality residential growth can play an important role in attracting future commercial investment, as businesses often evaluate a community’s housing pipeline when considering expansion opportunities.
Commissioner Jim Atkinson reflected on the project’s history, noting that Arcadia was originally planned alongside The Grove and Equestria as one of Lakeland’s first conservation developments. He highlighted the neighborhood’s interconnected street network and emphasis on preserving open space as key elements of the original vision.
Developers said those conservation-focused principles will remain central to the project as they refine the overall layout and prepare for the next phase of development.
With the extension approved, Arcadia now has three additional years to complete its sewer concept plan and continue advancing one of Lakeland’s longest-anticipated residential developments.
