Project developer Vince Smith recently updated the Lakeland Industrial Development Board (IDB) on the progress of Ashmont, a mixed-use project at the intersection of Canada Road and Davies Plantation Road. Although progress is being made, Smith stressed that there is still much work to be done.

Ashmont is still in its early stages. Currently, the land is being cleared and graded for future construction. Smith acknowledged concerns about the extensive tree clearing that took place last year, but assured the board that conservation efforts are a priority. Of the 100 total acres, 23 acres remain untouched and the plan is to eventually dedicate that land to a conservation group. “One day, when we’re done with our work, we’ll probably dedicate it to a conservation organization,” Smith explained.

Smith expects the first infrastructure to be completed will be the roads in the residential area of ​​Ashmont (see below in Area 2). Construction of single-family homes is expected to begin next year. The development plans include 41 lots, each about 1/3 of an acre, with homes expected to be around 4,000 square feet. The names of the builders and building styles have not yet been announced, but more information is expected in the fall. In addition, townhomes are planned for a later phase of the project (Area 4).

Mr. Smith was asked by board members if there was any news of retailers willing to build in Ashmont. “We have tremendous interest,” Smith said, but he would not name any names at this time. The Ashmont project will include a retail area with shops, restaurants and possibly a new grocery store (Area 6). Read more here.

An assisted living facility is also currently planned (Area 1), but Smith noted that it has been difficult to find a company to operate the entire assisted living facility, so the facility could be converted to serve as a “quasi assisted living facility” for those 55 and older. Mayor Josh Roman, the city’s liaison to the IDB, inquired about the possibility of including a senior center in the assisted living facility. Although there are no final plans yet, Smith indicated that about 3,000 square feet of the facility could be dedicated to a senior center. The city’s current senior center is located in the IH Managerial Park on Canada Road. It remains unclear whether a senior center in Ashmont would replace or complement the existing facility.