The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Rezoning recommended for Thomas townhomes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow a 218-unit townhome development, off U.S. 41, about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff.

When it was originally proposed, there was significant neighborhood opposition, but no one spoke against the project during a May 21 virtual planning commission, and there was a letter of support for the project submitted by Jeremy Couch, president of the Glen Pine Homeowners Association.

“I understand that this developer has voluntarily agreed to several conditions that will be an improvement for how the property could be developed under the current land use and zoning,” Couch’s letter says.

“Having a townhome development at this location will not only benefit the surrounding property owners and the owners on Lake Thomas, it will benefit our community, as well.

“U.S. 41 needs continued investment to be the place that many desire it to be.

“With new homes, quickly come new retail and restaurant opportunities, that the area so dearly needs.

“We look forward to this project and additional development on U.S. 41,” the letter adds.

A land use change was previously approved by the Pasco County Commission, which cleared the way for consideration of a rezoning on the 45-acre site.

Applicants for the rezoning are N & Z Corporation and Two Sisters Land Trust.

During the course of public hearings on the land use change, Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicants, noted that the applicants have agreed to numerous conditions that address concerns raised by neighbors.

Among those conditions are height restrictions for the townhomes and buffering requirements. Additionally, no boating access — either motorized or not — will be allowed to Lake Thomas.

Also, access into and out of the project will be off U.S. 41, with a gated emergency-access only entrance to Little Lake Road, according to the conditions.

Planning Commissioner Chris Poole expressed concerns about traffic the development will generate, but ultimately voted in favor of the motion recommending approval of the request to the Pasco County Commission.

The land’s existing zoning allowed 100 single-family homes. The rezoning, if approved by the Pasco County Commission, allows 218 townhomes.

Published May 27, 2020

Land O’ Lakes jail construction remains on track

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The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect the progress of some Pasco County initiatives, but at least one is moving forward as scheduled — a $128 million expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, off U.S. 41 at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Project design is slated to begin sometime in May, with construction slated to begin in December 2021 and continue through fiscal year 2023 — generally matching original timeline projections, county officials say.

A finalized agreement with design firm HOK and construction management firm Moss & Associates is being reviewed by the county attorney’s office, and should be complete by the end of April or early May.

The Land O’ Lakes Detention Center will undergo a $128 million expansion beginning in 2021. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“We’re on track with where we hope to be,” Pasco County facilities management director Andrew Baxter said, in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

The expansion will add 1,000 new beds plus major upgrades to the jail’s central services, including medical, laundry, kitchen, intake and administrative facilities to meet a larger capacity. The project is funded through general obligation bonds that Pasco voters approved in November 2018.

When all is said and done, the expansion could total “somewhere in the neighborhood” of 200,000 square feet, Baxter said.

The jail facility presently measures 352,700 square feet and houses 1,432 beds. But, it’s been operating over capacity, as temporary housing brings the maximum population to about 1,900 inmates.

Baxter noted renovations to central services will be built to withstand an inmate population of well over 3,000 — which a facilities master plan indicated may happen by year 2034, and when another bed space addition likely will be needed.

In other words, once 2034 comes around, Baxter said the county won’t again need to expand the medical unit, kitchen and other essential services, just the housing space.

The facilities management director observed, “It’s just building housing at that point (in 2034), which is a little bit easier task to undertake than trying to operate a jail when you’re disturbing all the central service activities.”

The forthcoming upcoming expansion is expected to be a phased project, with new structures coming to the front and back of the jail, followed by interior renovations into the existing jail.

Ensuring the jail remains fully functional through build out is “one of the challenges, and quite honestly, one of the really fun attributes” of the multi-year project, Baxter said.

“The jail is a no-fail facility, and we must keep it running 100% all the entire time while we’re doing the construction activities,” Baxter said.

Repurposing some areas as construction goes along is a possibility. For instance, once a “correctly-sized” kitchen comes along, the old kitchen space may then be transformed into a medical facility, Baxter said. But, those are just some ideas at this point.

The detention center was built in 1991.

Since then, there have been multiple expansions — including a 6,700-square-foot minimum security annex in 1999, then a 96,000-square-foot addition in 2010.

Jail institutes COVID-19 precautions
Well before shovel hits dirt on new construction, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office has gone about implementing new practices to help prevent COVID-19 from entering the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center — both for the safety of jail staff and inmate population.

The sheriff’s office is following all recommendations from the National Institute of Corrections, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Amanda Hunter, the agency’s lead public information officer, wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Every new inmate is screened upon intake and, when needed, isolated and tested for COVID-19; inmates are selected for testing based on answers to CDC-distributed questionnaires.

When it’s determined an inmate will be tested, the inmate is placed in a negative pressure cell while awaiting test results.

Due to this protocol, jail staff has already tested several new inmates, but all tests have come back negative as of April 20, Hunter wrote.

Published April 29, 2020

Lifting spirits is his specialty

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Whether it’s cracking jokes or serving up a friendly greeting, volunteer Brian Mason is known for his ability to lift people’s spirits at the East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills.

His jovial demeanor and friendly approach draws attention — so much so that Mason was named the local branch’s “Volunteer of the Year” for the second straight year.

East Pasco Family YMCA’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Brian Mason (Courtesy of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA)

The 50-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident has been volunteering with the nonprofit organization for about five years.

He began volunteering at the New Tampa YMCA before moving to the East Pasco facility.

Mason can be seen Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the branch — helping out at the front desk, scanning membership cards and greeting all those entering.

When it comes to the role, Mason goes above and beyond, said Ryan Pratt, East Pasco YMCA’s membership and wellness experience director.

The first thing members and staff notice about Mason is his beaming smile and upbeat nature, the supervisor said.

Pratt said Mason is “always happy. Super excited to be here.”

He added that he “never has a bad day.”

“A member may come in or even a staff member might not be having the best day, and you can’t help but laugh when Brian’s around, and smiling because of his presence, so we’re lucky to have him,” he said.

YMCA regulars can’t help but get to know Mason well, Pratt said.

He almost always has a prepared joke or some sort of innocent hijinks at the ready, he said.

For instance, he’ll pretend someone isn’t a member anymore, in a good-natured way.

“He’s got a great sense of humor and he has a lot of fun and just brightens up everyone’s day,” he said.

Mason’s volunteer contribution officially was recognized at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s annual Community Impact Award dinner ceremony held recently at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa.

He was one of 13 volunteers honored at the event — which attracted more than 500 guests.

Pratt, who chauffeured Mason to the ceremony, noted the award winner was quite popular throughout the night’s festivities.

“He was a hit at the table we were at,” Pratt said. “The gentleman who I introduced him, too, was just over the top impressed with him and super excited to see him win this award, so he was a hit for the night, I would say for sure.”

Mason said he “felt good” to again earn volunteer of the year honors.

His passion for volunteerism comes from his joy of being around people — particularly the members, staff and entire YMCA community.

“They’re nice people,” he said.

For information on the East Pasco Family YMCA, call (813) 780-9622, or visit tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca.

Published April 08, 2020

Enjoy Land O’ Lakes music jams

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NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park will be the gathering place for the annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

People relax and enjoy the music of four popular local bands at the annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. (File)

A lineup of bands is set to perform on the stage at the park, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting the concert, set for March 21, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The gate opens at 3:30 p.m.

Patrons can relax on the park’s open field with lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy food from various food trucks, while listening to Solar Exposure, Den of Thieves, JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels, and Stonegrey.

The venue is a great place for kids to have fun, for families and friends to socialize, and to enjoy an event that brings people together from throughout the region.

For more information, call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722. Emails also can be sent to .

Land O’ Lakes Music Festival
When: March 21 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $5 admission; free parking
Details: Patrons can enjoy a lineup of musical acts while relaxing on the park’s open field.
Info: Call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722. Email .

Published March 11, 2020

Objections continue to proposed townhomes

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Residents living near Lake Thomas continue to oppose an increase in the density of development in their Land O’ Lakes community.

A proposed land use change would increase the maximum density from three dwellings per acre to six dwellings per acre, on a 42-acre site, on the west side of U.S. 41 about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff.

The Pasco County Commission signaled its support for the increased intensity, in a 4-0 vote to transmit the land use request for a review by state agencies. Commission Chairman Mike Moore was out ill.

Once the state completes its review, the request will come back to the county board for final action.

At that point, commissioners also are expected to consider a rezoning request on the same site that would allow 218 townhomes.

Commissioners supported the transmittal despite passionate objections by area residents.

Eight speakers appeared in opposition to the request.

They cited concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.

Ed Bly, of Little Lake Thomas Road, told commissioners, “today’s vote is not about 218 townhomes in Land O’ Lakes.

“In fact, 99% of Pasco residents have no idea the ramifications of today’s vote and its impact on the older, established communities throughout the county.

“Today’s decision will allow developers to bundle properties together in the old, established communities and then request to double the density of said properties. This will create a trend that will affect all of the older, established communities in Pasco County whether they are in Shady Hills, New Port Richey, Dade City or Zephyrhills,” he said.

“Today, I appeal to think of the older established neighborhoods in your districts and to think of the impact that today’s vote will have on them. Because it is these communities that make Pasco an appealing place to live and they deserve to be protected from this type of rezoning.”

Shirley Schmidt, who lives on Marsh Hawk Drive, urged commissioners to deny the request.

“This proposal should be rejected because it is not consistent with the neighborhood in type, density, surrounding land and stakeholder impact. The Pasco residents must be able to rely on FLU (future land use) maps.”

Joe Seidle, who lives on Lake Thomas Road, noted, “the applicant’s plan is incompatible with the neighbors. But less apparent, the applicant’s plan is incompatible with the rest of our community.

“Please don’t ignore this community’s heritage because some of out-of-towners from Pinellas want to turn a big profit.

“It has taken decades to build this community, but please realize you could be destroying it in just a matter of minutes.

“This place is unique and it deserves some special attention,” he told commissioners.

“Land O’ Lakes is a gem.

“Generations of nature-loving families have raised their kids here. Please resist this constant pressure to build, build, build. It’s times to protect, protect, protect,” Seidle said.

Other speakers raised concerns about traffic hazards and a potential for flooding.

“There’s got to be a left-hand turn out of this development,” said John Lann, of Marsh Hawk Drive. Forcing motorists who want to head north from the project to make a U-turn at Ehren Cutoff is dangerous, he said. “We’re just waiting for the accidents to happen.”

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, told commissioners that 98 people attended the two neighborhood meetings regarding the development.

As a result of concerns raised by area residents, her client purchased additional acreage to provide direct access onto U.S. 41.

The townhomes will be clustered internally to limit impact from the buildings on adjacent single-family residences. The units will be limited to four-unit townhomes and will be two stories, and there will be substantial buffering.

The conditions for the proposed rezoning also address concerns about boat access to Lake Thomas, she said, noting her client intends to build a passive boardwalk, which will prevent access to Lake Thomas.

Wilhite said the proposed project is consistent with the county’s vision for infill development in areas where there are water, sewer, schools and roadways to serve it.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that the request is in keeping with the county’s desire to direct growth up the U.S. 41 corridor.

“I see it as a transitional piece, and I am in support. I think the buffering is excellent,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he believes the concessions being offered will minimize the impact of the proposed development.

“They’re protecting the lake dramatically,” Mariano said.

Published February 26, 2020

Planting the seeds of sustainable living

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Pasco County is pursuing a vision that’s aimed at giving people more opportunities to grow their own food, to learn the ins and outs of gardening, and to bring young and old together for a variety of activities.

A celebration was held recently at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to unveil a new “Food for All” mural and to offer tours of a new community garden.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, told the crowd that the effort to create community gardens across the county began a few years ago.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, is working to expand the number of community gardens across Pasco County. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Feb. 15 to celebrate the new community garden at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. (Christine Holtzman)

“No. 1, we wanted to provide recreational opportunities for folks of all ages and abilities.

“We also wanted to provide areas where we could beautify different parts of our county.

“We wanted to be able to provide a location for folks to be able to come and learn about a variety of topics, from horticulture all of the way over to water conservation, and composting and sustainable living practices.

“But, we wanted to ensure food sovereignty —  that anybody that was lacking, that was in need, would be able to have a place to go to grow their own food for their family; maybe even be able to start a small cottage industry, so they could be providing a source of income for their families,” Elmore said.

Such community gardens empower people, she added.

Elmore expressed gratitude to the Pasco County Commission for supporting the cause.

“They saw fit to see our vision to provide these spaces all across Pasco County, and you’re going to see more of these.

“We’re already on the east side of the county, here in Land O’ Lakes, and working on agreements for more community gardens on the west side of the county,” Elmore said.

She also expressed gratitude to master gardener volunteers who have been instrumental in helping to develop the community gardens.

“All of these plots are leased out for free to folks in our communities,” she said. “We have individuals. We have organizations. And, we have families, that are growing their own and learning to do so.”

Growing vegetables, and inclusivity, too
Elmore also noted the gardens can be used for special programs, such as the Gardening for Autism program, a six-week course that gives kids on the autism spectrum the chance to learn about horticulture.

Besides learning how to grow fruits and vegetables, they also can learn leadership skills, develop and hone social skills, and work on fine motor skills.

“And, we have been absolutely ecstatic at the response from the Autism Society of Florida and especially the impact that we can see these programs are having on children on the spectrum, as well as their families,” Elmore said.

Besides serving as the grand opening of the new community garden in Land O’ Lakes, the Feb. 15 event also featured the unveiling of the “Food for All Mural.”

Connor Laverty and Lucas Yingling, who are both on the autism spectrum, won the mural art contest. And, their work was transposed to the mural by Amy Nevins, an artist who lives in Palm Harbor.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to the Autism Society of Florida and to Nevins, for their involvement in the mural project.

“In Pasco County, what we want to do is to make sure that people of all abilities can participate in any activity we do,” he said.

That’s true, whether it means participating in an art contest and seeing one’s work on display, or having fun at a playground designed to be used by all children, such as the one at Wesley Chapel District Park.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also dropped by the event and commended the efforts to create more community gardens.

“I’m a big fan of community gardening. I’d like to spread this throughout my congressional district. How can we miss with something like this?”

Sonide Simon, of the county’s planning and development department, noted, “Our mural is a prime example of what it means when county government and community come together to make something beautiful.”

She also pointed out the benefits of growing healthy foods in a garden.

The vegetables growing there are “natural medicine” that can help combat chronic diseases, such as obesity, that are plaguing the nation, she said.

She praised the mural, which she said proclaims the message:  “let’s get back to nature and let’s make sure that everyone has access to food.”

Community gardens are creating communal spaces, which children and families can enjoy, she added.

Stacey Hoaglund, president of the Autism Society of Florida, congratulated the county and extension office for their involvement in the mural project.

These kinds of opportunities don’t always come to children with autism, she said.

“What this is about really, is inclusion. Being included in our communities. Being able to show what our kids, our adults with autism, are able to do. And, to become part of the overall life,” she said.

“I believe that a lot of people just underestimate the abilities of people with autism, and don’t include them in their communities as much as we would like,” she said.

“The Food for All Mural you have here — every time people drive by here and they see this beautiful wall, they can think about how people with autism are included in our communities, and have some really great things to offer,” Hoaglund said.

Published February 26, 2020

U.S. 41 getting new look and feel

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Portions of U.S. 41 soon will be repaved, or will have new landscaping, on the corridor, which runs through Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

In Land O’ Lakes, resurfacing will be done on U.S. 41, to give motorists a smoother ride between Ehren Cutoff and Caliente Boulevard.

New trees, shrubs and groundcover are being installed at the apex where U.S. 41 and North Florida Avenue split. The $500,000 project will create a more inviting entry, as motorists head into Lutz or Tampa, depending which way they are driving. (Brian Fernandes)

Repaving began last summer and includes both sides of the four-lane stretch – divided by a median.

The $2.5-million project also includes a sidewalk on the west side of U.S. 41, where it intersects with Lake Bambi Circle and Gator Lane.

It also incorporates a shared use path along the east side of U.S. 41, where it intersects with Caliente Boulevard and Carriker Road.

Plans also call for minor drainage modifications.

Roadwork is occurring during the day and evening, with lane closures.

The Lutz project involves new landscaping at the apex of U.S. 41 and North Florida Avenue, to create a more inviting entry into Lutz or Tampa, depending which way you are driving.

The $500,000 project began in January.

New landscaping is being installed in the medians, which includes native trees, palms, shrubs and groundcover, surrounded by decorative wood fencing.

Both projects are scheduled to be completed by spring.

Published February 19, 2020

New subdivision approved off Bell Lake Road

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning for a 27-home subdivision, at the northwest intersection of Bell Lake and Alpine roads.

The site for the proposed subdivision is about 1 mile east of U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

The approval will allow houses with a minimum of 40-foot-wide lots to be built on the 9.5-acre site.

The board’s vote, at its Feb. 4 meeting, was the second time it approved the request.

A previous vote, taken on Jan. 7, was voided after it was discovered an error had been made on the public notice of that meeting.

Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, said plans call for a rental home community.

The price points of the homes being constructed there would be in mid-200s to mid-300s, he said, but they are being built for a segment of the market that prefers renting to home ownership.

Pressman showed the board a power point with representations of the type of houses that American Homes 4 Rent plans to build.

Several neighbors spoke against the requested rezoning. They said the lot size is incompatible with surrounding developments.

They also cited concerns about the condition of area roads that would serve the subdivision. Other worries include potential impacts on the area’s drainage, and potential safety hazards for children because the area lacks sidewalks.

One of their biggest concerns, though, was the fact that the company building the homes specializes in rental homes.

They expressed concerns that those living in rental homes are less committed to upkeep because they aren’t as invested as individual homeowners. They also noted that renters tend to be more transient than homeowners.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said that the county doesn’t consider the question of whether a property will be rented, or owned, when deciding land use issues.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended denial of the request, citing incompatibility between the requested lot size and the area’s existing development pattern.

But, county planners recommended approval, noting the county’s long-range plan allows up to six dwellings per acre, and saying this development represents an appropriate transition.

Pressman pointed out that the request is for 2.85 dwellings per acre, less than half of what’s allowed in the county’s land use plan. He also cited the property’s planned 200-foot buffer.

But, neighbors said the site plan indicates that the homes will be clustered together, which effectively reduces the lot size.

They said the planned lot sizes simply are not a good fit for the area.

Conditions for approval include a requirement to improve Alpine Road, to the entrance of the subdivision. The development also must install a left-turn lane on Bell Lake Road, and provide  sidewalks on the frontage of the subdivision.

Eric Swanson, land manager for American Homes 4 Rent, a national homebuilder, said the average household income for its renters is $100,000.

He also described the typical renter as an older millennial with a family, and said renters typically stay at a property for two years to three years.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said this type of housing — rental homes — is a trend across the country, according to Urban Land Institute reports.

Neighbors expressed a variety of concerns.

Troy Gotschall, lives on Ladera Lane, just north of the planned subdivision.

“My biggest concern with this whole project is that the size of the lots do not meet what is in the surrounding area. That’s just not acceptable to us. It doesn’t make sense.

“It really gives us a heartache,” he said.

David Hodierne, who also lives on Ladera Lane, told commissioners: “Obviously, rentals concern us.”

He added: “One of the main questions I ask is: What need is truly being filled here? We have a high-density subdivision going into our rural community.

He cited the county’s declining percentage of owner-occupied homes and pointed to a recent action by commissioners to create a rental registry ordinance. When adopting that ordinance, commissioners cited concerns about the potential problems that result when rental properties are neglected, or attract criminal activity.

Margaret Gotschall, who lives on Fallglo Lane, said “the condition of the roads (Bell Lake and Alpine) is certainly a concern, especially with construction and increased traffic,” she said. “Bell Lake Road has deep, call them, ditches, on the side of the road.

“Alpine Road is very narrow. It’s deteriorating. The shoulders on both sides are caving in. It would need tremendous work to accommodate the additional traffic, and of course, the construction equipment that’s going to be going over these roads while this development is being constructed,” she said.

Karen Joeb, of Alpine Road, said “my grandson gets off the school bus. He steps in a ditch, to get across the road, to get across Alpine to come home.”

Curt Lessl, who lives on Alpine Road, said he’s already lost 160 maple trees in his backyard due to flooding.

“Putting this many homes, 10 feet apart from each other, on that small of property will overload that wetlands, which feeds into the wetlands and the drainage system that feeds into Banjo Lake right behind my property. It’s going to make an impact.

He also asked: “What guarantee do we have that this company, who is going to come in put in these rental properties, is going to maintain those rental properties.

“What’s going to happen when they decide to sell it to some other company that doesn’t have the same interest at heart? And then they sell it, and we’re left holding the bag.”

He urged commissioners: “Leave this area the quiet, small, low-density residential area that it has been for the last 50 years.”

Despite neighbors’ objections, commissioners sided with their planning staff’s recommendation and approved the rezoning, 5-0.

Published February 12, 2020

Neighbors battle townhomes near Lake Thomas

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Residents living near Lake Thomas are fighting a proposed townhome project, on approximately 42 acres, on the west side of U.S. 41, about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, appeared at the Jan. 23 Pasco County Planning Commission hearing, seeking a change to the county’s land use plan to increase the potential density on the site from three dwellings per acre to six dwellings per acre.

Obtaining the land use change is just the first step in the process. A rezoning also would be required before the townhomes could be built.

Wilhite said her client is aiming for a 218-unit townhome project on the property, which represents a density of 4.8 units per acre.

She said meetings have been held with neighbors and, as a result, conditions will be included with the rezoning request to address concerns that have been raised.

Several neighbors voiced objections during the public hearing.

Shirley Schmidt, 21133 Marsh Hawk Drive, Land O’ Lakes, who lives at The Preserve at Lake Thomas, said 300 feet of her property is immediately adjacent to the subject property.

The developer has listened, but she still objects, she said.

“He’s made revisions to address many of our concerns, but there is one overwhelming objection that cannot be mitigated if this project is approved — density, and its impact on traffic.

“The Ridge Road extension project, which is going forward within a few years, will dump a huge flow of traffic onto (U.S.) 41, just north of where this project is located.

“That alone will result in an unbearable increase in the traffic volume. Now, add yet another 400 vehicles from this project, and you’ll be one step closer to total gridlock.

“The traffic light at 41 and Ehren Cutoff is dangerous already. Residents from the proposed townhouse development, who need to go north, will be turning south onto 41 and crossing three lanes of traffic in the space of approximately 200 yards, to do a U-turn. That southbound turn lane creates a blind zone for those headed north and attempting to turn into our subdivision.

“We, in The Preserve at Lake Thomas, lost a resident not less than three months ago to a horrible accident, with this exact scenario.

“Please protect the rights and safety of the existing residents with your ‘No’ vote on this project,” she urged planning commissioners.

Scott Hitt, of 21008 Little Lake Thomas Road, is concerned about impacts of intensifying development.

“You get a bunch of people piled in on top of each other and you’re going to get stuff that starts happening. Right now, we leave our doors unlocked. We have stuff all over the place. Nothing goes missing. It’s kind of a cool place. It’s a gem that’s hidden away in here.

He urged commissioners to reject the request: “It’s not a good fit.”

“We’re not against development. Development is good, just not R-6.”

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey asked: “What is good?”

“R-3 (the current land use) is good,” Hitt replied.

Joe Seidle, of 20955 Lake Thomas Road, has lived in the area since 1982.

“We’re not saying we’re anti-growth. We’re saying, ‘It’s too many units,’” Seidle said.

“I haven’t heard one compelling need to change the land use. It’s Res-3, why are we changing it?”

Kathy Eshleman, of 5419 Shell Road, turned in two petitions with signatures from 99 people who couldn’t attend, but are opposed to the request.

She voiced her opposition, and she told planning commissioners she would prefer the development of single-family homes, within the existing density.

Other speakers objected to the intensification of development and voiced concerns about the

potential impacts on traffic, drainage and the quality of Lake Thomas.

Changing Land O’ Lakes’ character?
Ed Bly, of 21117 Lake Thomas Road, asked planning commissioners to consider the precedent that change would set. “This decision will forever change all of Land O’ Lakes, not just the Little Lake Thomas community,” Bly said.

Jane Smith, of 5353 School Road, Land O’ Lakes, is worried about the impacts to the lake, as more people move into the area. “I’m concerned about the runoff, with 218 units.”

Wilhite brought a team of experts to talk about her client’s intentions for the project.

Alexis Crespo, a certified land use planner with Waldrop Engineering, said the client recognizes that a binding project plan and conditions are important, in order for his request to be successful.

Many changes have already been made to the plan, in response to concerns that have been raised, she said.

For instance, the proposed access to the site will be directly from U.S. 41.

Also, the units will be clustered internally to limit impact from the buildings on adjacent single-family residences.

The units also will be limited to four-unit townhomes, two stories in height, she said, and the project will have substantial buffering.

The conditions for the proposed rezoning also address concerns about boat access to Lake Thomas, she said.

“This will have a passive boardwalk for residents, but no motorized or non-motorized boats will be able to access the lake from this project.”

She said the proposed project is consistent with the county’s vision for infill development in areas where there are water, sewer, schools and roadways to serve it.

She also noted that townhomes represents a diversity in type of residential development, and said many beautiful master-planned communities within Pasco County regularly incorporate housing diversity within their communities.

Steve Henry, of Lincks & Associates, said the additional traffic generated from the change compared to what’s currently permitted would have a negligible effect on U.S. 41.

He also noted the developer plans to put a right-turn lane in and a right-turn out lane at the project’s driveway.

Roy Mazur, professional engineer with WRA Engineering, said the project would not be allowed to cause flooding to on-site or off-site property, or to create adverse impacts on water quality.

“Even though a lot of the site will be impervious — there will be concrete, asphalt, buildings — our discharge in the developed condition cannot exceed that the discharge of the existing condition. That’s why the (retention) ponds are there,” Mazur said.

Wilhite also noted that the installation of the boardwalk will prevent access to the lake.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein noted that Crespo had presented a site plan that had more detail than is typically included in a master unit plan development.

He asked Wilhite if the zoning request for the master plan unit development will have a detailed plan that will be adopted with the zoning.

Wilhite said her client is willing to document commitments, but hasn’t finalized the plan that will accompany the rezoning request.

“Nobody likes us to say things and then not do them. I get that. That’s not our intent,” Wilhite said.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox asked Wilhite if her client is committed to proposed conditions contained in the master plan unit development narrative, including no access onto Little Lake Thomas Road, no boat access onto Lake Thomas and buffering requirements.

Wilhite said: “That’s correct.”

“It seems to me that these conditions address a ton of the concerns of residents,” Cox said.

Wilhite also noted: “The boardwalk concept was put in place as a means of enforcing what we say, which is no motorized, or non-motorized access to Lake Thomas.”

It provides a barrier to keep boats out, she explained.

Chairman Grey said,  “We’re here really to talk about the number of units we want to allow on the site. Personally, I think maybe R-6 is a little bit too intense.”

The planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the requested land use change.

Commissioners Richard Tonello, Peter Hanzel and Chairman Grey voted no.

The issue now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which makes final land use and zoning decisions in the county.

The County Commission is scheduled to consider the request on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published February 05, 2020

Bell Lake rezoning back on agenda

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An error in a notice for a rezoning has prompted a new hearing on the request.

The Pasco County Commission, at its Jan. 7 hearing, approved a rezoning for a new subdivision for 27 detached residences on about 9.5 acres, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Bell Lake Road and Alpine Road. The vote was 4-0, with Commissioner Jack Mariano absent.

However, it turns out that an error was posted regarding the date of the rezoning hearing, so the rezoning request now is expected to be heard at the board’s Feb. 4 meeting at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The site for the proposed subdivision is about 1 mile east of U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

The main access to the development will be off of Alpine Road. As part of the approval, the developer must put a turn lane on Bell Lake Road.

The rezoning had been recommended for approval by county planners, but had been recommended for denial by the Pasco County Planning Commission. Planning commissioners cited incompatibility of the proposed lot sizes with the existing development pattern in the surrounding area.

Two neighbors also spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning during the Planning Commission hearing. Their primary complaint was the proposed lot sizes of the project.

No one appeared in opposition at the County Commission hearing, but it turns out that neighbors to the proposed rezoning had received incorrect information regarding the date of the meeting.

At the Jan. 7 County Commission hearing, Todd Pressman representing applicant Michael David Vincent, noted that the initial request for 32 lots had been reduced to 27. He also said an increase was made to the minimum width required for lots within the development.

Published January 29, 2020