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Public Hearing Set For 300-Home Plan

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 11, 2007

DADE CITY - The often-delayed plan to build more than 300 homes on the city's southern edge will get its first real public airing next month.
Winter Park developer Flanagan-Hillpot LLC first came forward in March with plans to build Terrace Park on a 56-acre parcel along U.S. 301, south of Willingham Avenue. The developer has proposed annexing the property into the city. That would require the approval of the city commission.

If Dade City rejects the annexation request, though, the developer could seek approval from the county, though Pasco County planning officials already have declared the project 'too intense' for the area.

Plans for the project have changed several times since March.

In their most recent plan, the owners propose building 302 homes - a mix of single-family homes and town homes - and offices.

Neighbors have complained, saying they don't want that many homes built there, said Karla Owens, Dade City's city attorney and director of community development.

Commissioners have scheduled a Nov. 27 public hearing on the annexation request. To allow more time for discussion, they agreed to talk about the project at their Nov. 13 meeting, though they will not hold a public hearing then.

In weighing whether to approve the annexation, the city asked Pasco County officials to review Flanagan-Hillpot's latest proposal. Of the 302 dwellings proposed, 257 would be town homes, the county's growth management department wrote in a memorandum to Owens. They concluded that was too intense of a land use for the area. County officials recommended the city suggest the homes on the north end of the property be single-family units instead of town homes.

The property borders a neighborhood with single-family homes on larger lots, as well as commercial development along U.S. 301.

A likely issue for commissioners is the traffic Terrace Park would generate and whether surrounding roads, including U.S. 301, could handle the extra cars.

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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