A new subdivision has been approved at the northwest corner of Happy Hill Road and Sarah Lynn Drive, in Dade City.
The 18.78-acre site, now occupied by hay fields, had been zoned for agricultural and rural density uses. The Pasco County Commission changed the zoning on Feb. 8, allowing up to 75 houses.
Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, said the actual development is expected to have 51 or 52 homes.
County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning.
Alisa Weaver, who lives across from the rezoned site, was the only person voicing opposition.
She urged the county board to reject the request.
“We live a rural lifestyle and not looking for close neighbors,” Weaver said, noting the development pattern in the area consists mostly of homes on 1-acre lots or larger.
“The traffic is a major concern,” Weaver added, noting she’s been run off the road and vehicles have run through her fences.
But Hobby said that a study that was reviewed by the county demonstrates that Happy Hill Road has sufficient capacity.
He also noted that his client’s site is next to an existing apartment complex, plus the City of Dade City has annexed several parcels that will bringing 1,000 to 2,000 residential units to the area.
“I feel what we’re doing is wholly consistent with the area. I’m proud of it. We didn’t ask for super-small lots, and I think it will be a credit to the community,” Hobby told the county board.
Commissioner Ron Oakley called for approval of the request.
“It fits in the property fairly well. They’re not asking for 40-foot lots and things of that nature, which would be very dense and very crowded,” Oakley said.
Oakley also noted that Happy Hill Road has the capacity to handle the traffic the new subdivision will create.
Published February 16, 2022
