The Okahumpka Skilled Nursing Facility development project is led by our Clymer Farner Barley, Inc. (CFB) team including all design, environmental studies, and permitting. The project aims to establish a 147-bed skilled nursing facility including grading, paving, utilities, and infrastructure to support the development of this site along with necessary infrastructure support and provisions for two future outparcels. This development is located within an approximate 12.54-acre site 0.66 miles south of the intersection of CR 33 and US Highway 27 in Leesburg, Florida.
One of the primary challenges faced by CFB was navigating the environmental considerations associated with the development site. The presence of wetlands and Other Surface Waters (OSW) necessitated meticulous assessment and adherence to regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance and minimal ecological impact. Additionally, the project required assessments for protected species, including gopher tortoises and sand skinks, along with a comprehensive tree survey.
CFB employed a multidisciplinary approach, integrating environmental scientists, ecologists, engineers, and designers to address the project’s complexities. CFB’s Environmental team of scientists conducted site visits to ascertain the presence and extent of wetlands and OSWs using established methodologies outlined by the State of Florida and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The delineation process utilized a combination of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology parameters to establish wetland boundaries. Furthermore, assessments for protected species were conducted to identify and mitigate potential impacts.
Close collaboration between environmental experts and project stakeholders was pivotal in ensuring that design considerations minimized environmental impacts while aligning with project objectives. Engineers and designers worked in tandem with environmental scientists to incorporate mitigation measures into the project design, thereby preserving natural resources to the greatest extent feasible. By proactively addressing ecological concerns, the project team aimed to achieve a balance between development goals and environmental stewardship.
The diligent efforts of the project team culminated in the successful navigation of regulatory requirements and the development of a comprehensive mitigation strategy. The project serves as a testament to the effective integration of environmental sustainability within the realm of urban development, setting a precedent for future endeavors in the region.
The Okahumpka Skilled Nursing Facility project exemplifies the importance of proactive environmental assessment and mitigation in development endeavors. Through meticulous planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to regulatory guidelines, CFB successfully addressed environmental challenges while advancing the project’s objectives.
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