Wellington, Florida, known for its expansive equestrian community, may soon witness the rise of another luxury development. Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has proposed a new project that aims to blend high-end living with the equestrian lifestyle.
This move comes just months after the village approved Mark Bellissimo’s similar plans for the area, raising both interest and concern among residents.
The Isla Carroll Proposal: A New Vision for Equestrian Living
Frank McCourt, through his company McCourt Global, has teamed up with Discovery Land Co. to propose the development of Isla Carroll. This planned community aims to convert 80 acres of polo fields into a luxurious residential area with an equestrian theme. The project plans include the construction of 40 homes, featuring 35 one-third-acre lots and five 2-acre farms.
Additional amenities, such as shared stables, a covered arena, a petting zoo, and bridle paths, are designed to appeal to equestrian enthusiasts.
This development requires a zoning change from equestrian residential to equestrian development, a shift that has raised eyebrows among local residents. The proposal follows in the footsteps of the village council’s earlier approval of high-density residential areas, setting a potential precedent for further developments in the Wellington Equestrian Preserve.
Community Concerns and the Impact of Precedent
Wellington residents have voiced concerns about the compatibility of such developments with the traditional equestrian nature of the preserve. The community's equestrian zoning mandates a minimum lot size of 2 acres to accommodate stabling and maintain the area's rural character. The proposed Isla Carroll, with its smaller lot sizes, would require a significant deviation from these existing regulations.
Critics, including village resident Lauren Brody, argue that the village council's previous decisions have opened the door to more aggressive development. The approval of Wellington Lifestyle Partners’ plan, which allowed for the removal of 96 acres from the equestrian preserve, has set a contentious precedent. Brody and others fear that the Isla Carroll project could further erode the integrity of the equestrian preserve, transforming it into a more densely populated residential area.
The Role of Frank McCourt in Wellington's Development
Frank McCourt, a part-time Wellington resident, is no stranger to the equestrian world. Beyond his notable history in sports and media, McCourt has deep ties to equestrian sports. His involvement in the Global Champions League and the franchise of the Miami Celtics equestrian team underscores his commitment to the sport. His investment in the Isla Carroll project aligns with his broader vision of creating high-end, equestrian-focused communities.
The land in question has a storied past, having once been owned by John Goodman, a polo magnate who made headlines for his involvement in a vehicular manslaughter case. McCourt acquired the 80-acre property from Bellissimo, who had purchased it from Goodman as part of a larger deal. Now, McCourt’s plans to transform this land into a luxury community could mark a significant shift in Wellington’s development landscape.
What Isla Carroll Could Bring to Wellington
The Isla Carroll development promises more than just homes; it aims to offer a complete lifestyle experience. The proposed community will feature a range of amenities that cater to both equestrian and non-equestrian residents. These include:
- Covered horse walker
- Paddocks and riding rings
- Golf simulation studio
- Organic farm
- Community club with dining facilities, a gym, a pool, and racket sports
McCourt Partners’ president, Jordan Lang, emphasized that Isla Carroll is designed to honor Wellington’s equestrian heritage while providing a world-class living experience. The development’s master plan integrates equestrian features with luxury living, potentially setting a new standard for residential communities in the area.
Opposition and Future Implications
Despite the ambitious plans, Isla Carroll has met with significant opposition. Critics argue that the development’s high density is incompatible with the equestrian preserve's current standards. They fear that approval of such projects could lead to a domino effect, encouraging more developers to seek zoning changes and develop the preserve into a more urbanized area.
Brody, while not entirely opposed to the project, urges the village council to consider the long-term implications of their decisions. She advocates for a careful evaluation of the project to ensure that any development within the preserve aligns with Wellington’s identity as a premier equestrian community.
What’s Next for Isla Carroll?
The future of Isla Carroll now rests with Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee, the Planning, Zoning and Adjustments Board, and ultimately, the village council. These bodies will review the proposal in detail before making a final decision. As of now, no meetings have been scheduled, but the outcome of this project could have far-reaching consequences for Wellington’s development trajectory.
Wellington’s equestrian preserve has long been a sanctuary for those seeking a rural, equestrian-focused lifestyle. The introduction of luxury developments like Isla Carroll challenges this tradition, posing questions about the future of land use in the area. Whether this project will proceed as planned or face significant modifications will depend on the ongoing discussions among developers, residents, and village officials. Frank McCourt and Discovery Land Co. have made their vision clear; now, it’s up to Wellington to decide if this vision aligns with the community’s values.
