Concerns about the potential for piecemeal development on about 81.5 acres at the southwest corner of Gunn Highway and County Road 54 prompted the county to launch a planning initiative about two years ago.
The effort aims to create a cohesive approach to future development at the intersection and it yielded what is known as the Odessa Town Centre plan.
The Pasco County Commission voted unanimously on March 21 to send the proposed land use change to state officials for review.
That’s the last step that’s required before the board can adopt the proposed comprehensive land use change.
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has led the effort, which has involved a planning consultant, county planners and community meetings with landowners and residents.
“This is an area where people have lived for a long time. They’re not builders, they’re not developers and they’re not planners. So, I really appreciate them coming along with us.
“We haven’t had anyone sell, since we’ve come through this.
“They (potential developers) are circling, circling around,” Starkey said.
Without the plan, Starkey said, “it would have been a kind of community that no one would’ve really liked.
“Our hope is that we end up with a really good community plan here that’s to everyone’s advantage,” she said. “We believe we increased the value of their property.”
A couple of elderly property owners appeared before the board to raise questions about what will happen to them — as a result of the plan.
That prompted Commissioner Gary Bradford to express concerns about the potential for leaving anyone behind.
But Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, told board members: “The way we designed this subarea plan and policy was to maximize the flexibility of the existing landowners, such as, if they want to sell, it’s their choice. If they want to stay, again, it’s their choice.
“Their existing current uses may remain there until such time that they choose to sell, at such time the new developer or the new property owner that comes along they’ll have to comply with whatever zoning changes they want to make that are consistent with the comprehensive plan,” Pittos said.
Starkey also pledged the help of her office to any existing property owners who need assistance.
“This is going to generate activity,” Starkey predicted.
The proposed plan includes areas designated for light industrial, business park, mixed-use office and retail, and high-density residential uses.
Published March 29, 2023
