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Planners oppose developer's density proposal
By JOSH ZIMMER, Times Staff Writer
KEYSTONE -- Charles Moore wants to do what many large landowners in Keystone already have been able to do: build homes on his sprawling rural property. He also wants Hillsborough County to let him build more houses than are currently allowed under its comprehensive land use plan. But staff members at the City-County Planning Commission are holding firm. They are recommending that their board reject Moore's request for an amendment to the plan. His proposal would increase the current density for the 286-acre property from one home per 5 acres to one home per 1 acre. The commission is scheduled to vote on the amendment Monday night. Moore's land is north of Lutz-Lake Fern Road and just west of the Suncoast Parkway. Based on the existing development pattern in the area, which includes size of surrounding parcels and environmental concerns, the requested amendment does not meet the standard of a "reasonable" change, commission planning team leader Lorraine Duffy said. Moore's property contains significant wetlands eating up more than half the tract, Duffy pointed out. At best, he could build on only 101 acres. The wetlands also border county preservation land. "It's hard to justify an an increase in density around a wetland system," she said. "The comprehensive plan discourages people from increasing density from one home per five acres. It is a tough hurdle to overcome." Keith Brickelmyer, Moore's land use attorney, could not be reached for comment. Duffy suggested Moore could achieve his goals under the existing densities, even though they would allow a developer to build only 20 homes, as opposed to 100. "There are projects that are going out there that are based on larger acreages that are successful," she said. -- Josh Zimmer covers Keystone, Citrus Park and the environment. He can be reached at 269-5314 or zimmer@sptimes.com .
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