LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg residents could see more development from The Villages retirement community. Earlier this month the city commission approved the transfer of 500 acres of land in exchange for The Villages to build and maintain a new wastewater system for the area.

Those living in the tri-county area have plenty to say about The Villages' encroachment on their city.

“Growing up here, it has its perks and it has its cons,” said Montana Kauffman.

For Montana Kauffman, it’s hard to remember a Leesburg without The Villages.

“Generally nobody really expected the Villages to be coming in here and when they did it just took everyone by surprise,” said Kauffman.

Kauffman is happy to see The Villages taking care of retirees. But he said they aren’t the only population in need of more residential homes. He’d love to see The Villages market to young professionals.

It’s still up in the air what the land will turn into. But Jack Forman who owns and operates Fire Rock Pizza in Downtown Leesburg hopes to see some commercial property in the plan.

“It’s a good thing for the community. I think it’s going to expand a lot of homes in this area, but it’s going to help the tax structure. Also I believe it’s going to help business too,” said Forman.

Who knows, The Villages might not be the only one expanding.

“I am going to put my bid in on a place if there’s something available out there,” said Forman.

That is depending on how long it takes. The Villages need to address the wastewater system first before starting construction on any plans. The Villages have 30 years to complete this project. If they don’t finish it by then they must return the land to the city. However, the Leesburg City Manager told us he expects they’ll get it done in 5 to 10 years.

Spectrum News 13’s Katie Streit asked a Leesburg online group for their thoughts, here are just a few of the comments.