More than 100 residents overflowed the meeting room at Bloomingdale Regional Library to express their concerns about an application submitted to rezone a parcel of land near their homes. Currently cows graze on the property, which was formerly an orange grove. The property’s owner has visions of a complex brimming with professional offices, retail space, commercial live/work units and stand-alone businesses, such as a bank or childcare center. Residents say, “No way”.
The 19.25-acre parcel, located east of Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., between Brooker and Valrico Roads., is currently zoned ASC-1, meaning the property can be used for either agricultural purposes or for a housing development, with a maximum of one single-family home per acre. The property owners, GLH Enterprises, L.L.C., are hoping to rezone the property as PD, a planned development. Jim Williamson lives on Beachwood Ln. in the Oakwood Ravine subdivision, adjacent to the property. “Dr. Henderson is entitled to do what he wants with his land, but we don’t want this monstrosity there, period,” he said.
Lynea D’Angelo, president of the original Buckhorn Estates homeowners’ association, lives to the east of the acreage in question and says GLH’s proposed zoning is not an appropriate use for the property. She worries her street will become congested with patrons of the commercial complex.“The residents around the property are passionate about their neighborhoods, and we’re willing to fight to protect our property values and our safety,” she said.
Project planner Michael Horner, of MDH & Associates, said the project will significantly benefit the community and compares the plan to the make-up of Hyde Park, an area that has developed a sense of place, with well-placed landscaping, park benches and controlled access points. He said no retail will front Valrico or Brooker Roads.“We want residents to keep open ears and open eyes to this pretty novel design concept,” he said.
A public hearing by the zoning hearing master is scheduled for Monday, August 24, at 6 p.m. in the County Center, located at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. The public is invited to attend and express their opinions at this meeting.The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision on the rezoning on Tuesday, October 13, at 9 a.m. Any citizen wishing to speak at this meeting must file an oral argument form with the county.
For more information about the rezoning process, contact Hillsborough County Planning and Growth Management at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning or contact Vince Marchetti at 229-2300.
