The New Port Richey residence for the mentally ill had been turned down, which led to a court ruling that supported the Harbor project.
By ALEX LEARY
Published June 4, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY - In quick fashion, the City Council on Tuesday night rezoned property in the Jasmine Hills area that will be used for a home for the mentally ill.
The unanimous decision followed a February court ruling in which a judge said the council was wrong to deny the rezoning request in April 2002 because the land use was consistent with surrounding property.
More than 100 people showed up at the April 2002 meeting to protest the facility, mostly because it would be near a day care center and, residents said, could put children at risk. Some residents said the facility could hurt property values.
By contrast, no one spoke against the project Tuesday night.
The Harbor Behavioral Healthcare Institute, which is operated by Morton Plant Mease, plans to build an apartment complex for people who suffer from depression, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia.
But before construction could begin, the company needed to rezone one of two lots from commercial to multifamily use.
City staff recommended approval but the council voted 3-0 last year to deny the request, saying it would reduce the city's tax rolls because, as a nonprofit, the Harbor would not pay property tax.
If that is the case, Circuit Judge W. Lowell Bray questioned, would the city deny rezoning requests from less controversial nonprofits, including churches and the Boy Scouts?
"We're thankful that it's over with," Irene Rickus, executive director of the Harbor, said Tuesday.
It could be six months to a year until construction of the federally financed complex begins.
