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Group finds positives in plan to sell park
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- The debate goes on. Task force members met for a third time this week to discuss whether Krusen Field, the city's historic park, should be sold to Zephyrhills Spring Water Co. The water company, which wants to use the land to build 200,000 square feet of extra warehouse space, has vowed to build the city a new, state-of-the-art park elsewhere in town. So far, the idea has met harsh opposition from residents, who worry about falling property values, a lack of parks for area children and the disappearance of a city landmark. Tuesday night, however, members began weighing some of the positives of the plan, such as the ability to design a new park, road improvements near the water plant and a bigger tax base for the city. "It was a very cordially run meeting," said city planner Todd Vande Berg. "We allowed input from the audience, but nothing got out of control." It hasn't been that way all along. Much of the task force's first two meetings turned into complaint sessions for those who had problems with the water company. But Vande Berg said that holding Tuesday's meeting in City Hall made a big difference. There was plenty of space for the 50 or so audience members, unlike at the World War II barracks near the airport, where the first two meetings were held. Meg Andronaco, spokeswoman for Zephyrhills Spring Water Co., agreed. "There were some good comments from the audience," Andronaco said. "I think some people are still angry. But we'd really like to work it out so it's a win-win situation." The task force's next meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 27 at City Hall.
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From today's Pasco Times |
