Altered deal lets Tampa annex the K-Bar Ranch

A mayor's consultant lauds the annexation agreement, but critics say it falls short.

By JOHN BALZ, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 23, 2002

TAMPA -- The K-Bar Ranch became a part of Tampa on Thursday after the City Council amended an annexation agreement to alleviate concerns about the property's traffic congestion and green space.

The unanimous vote for annexation pleased the owners of the 2,280-acre property in northern Hillsborough, and could eventually add another 1,600 homes to the city's tax base.

But not everyone was happy with the agreement, which was almost two years in the making.

Some residents of nearby New Tampa wanted K-Bar's owner to provide more park space. Others worried about the impact on local schools and roads.

Two weeks ago, Pasco County administrator John Gallagher told the city that his county would not allow two northern outlets in K-Bar to link up with Pasco roads.

After meeting with the city last week, Pasco officials agreed to let K-Bar roads connect with Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Beardsley Drive. But they continued to balk on linking Kinnan Road to Mansfield Drive across the Pasco County border.

In response, council members on Thursday added a clause to the annexation agreement that cuts 400 homes from K-Bar's development until there is an agreement on the road's extension.

Also added: A phrase guaranteeing that park space in K-Bar Ranch will be open to all residents of Hillsborough County.

"This is the toughest agreement we've ever created," said Ron Rotella, special consultant to Mayor Dick Greco.

Don Nevins, of nearby Pebble Creek, wasn't satisfied. He wanted the council to secure an additional 15 acres of park space. As passed, the agreement allows the city to enter discussions with K-Bar's owners, Krusen-Douglas, if it determines more green space is needed.

K-Bar's owners gave up seven acres for community parks and 22 acres for a regional park.

Land for a new school also is not locked up, though the agreement requires the owners to enter negotiations if the Hillsborough School Board decides there is a need for an additional school.

K-Bar's owners had already donated 20 acres, which now houses Pride Elementary School.

"There is a history of growth in New Tampa that consistently outpaces infrastructure," said Jim Davison, a candidate for the District 2 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission. "That's what has people in New Tampa worried."

Environmental issues also remain unresolved.

The city and Krusen-Douglas agreed to set aside less than 100 acres of upland habitat. The city has decided that two wildlife corridors exist through the central and northeast portions of K-Bar along two creeks. Krusen-Douglas disagrees with that assessment.

Both sides said they would sort out those differences when the developer presents a zoning plan for the community.

-- John Balz can be reached at (813) 269-5313 or at balz@sptimes.com.

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