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Commission Set To OK Beacon Woods Sidewalk

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2007

HUDSON - Pasco County commissioners are set to approve a sidewalk project in Beacon Woods on Tuesday, but not everyone in the neighborhood is happy about it.

The board and Wal-Mart have agreed to split the $323,000 cost of building about 3 miles of sidewalks along Beacon Woods Drive and Clock Tower Parkway leading to a Wal-Mart Supercenter on the outskirts of the community.

Some residents would rather the retailer pay for other improvements, such as a gate to keep out Wal-Mart customers who use the community as a shortcut.

County Commissioner Jack Mariano, who lives in Beacon Woods, negotiated with Wal-Mart for the contribution. He argues the sidewalks would be a needed improvement in the community of about 6,000 people. Other residents agree with him.

The sidewalk money was a concession for residents who opposed Wal-Mart's plans for a 203,000-square-foot supercenter off U.S. 19. The residents, some of whom object to Wal-Mart altogether, are concerned that their neighborhood will become an even more popular cut-through between Little Road and State Road 52 when the store is built. They also worry about crime.

Wal-Mart has committed to pay for a cul-de-sac or an electronic gate at Beacon Woods Drive if the county designates the community's roads private.
County Attorney Robert Sumner has issued an opinion saying Beacon Woods Drive may not be declared private, unless increased traffic presents more of a safety hazard.

The board is to consider the issue at a meeting starting at 10 a.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road in New Port Richey.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at jferrante@tampatrib.com or (813) 948-4220.

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