Also Monday, Zephyrhills' council gave early approval to zoning changes that would pave the way for two new housing developments.
By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published October 26, 2004
ZEPHYRHILLS - A controversial water pumping plan got final approval Monday and two large proposed housing developments came a step closer to reality as Planning Commission and City Council members gave their initial approval to rezone the land.
Council members unanimously approved a plan to pump floodwater from Silver Oaks Golf and Country Club through a culvert along Eiland Boulevard and into Geiger Pond.
The neighborhood flooded for the second straight year after the heavy summer storms. City officials had to obtain a court injunction to pump the water through a nearby mobile home park to keep it from damaging homes.
Residents of Silver Oaks and Betmar Acres sparred over the plan.
Gus Clarke, a Betmar resident, accused the city of disregarding the comfort and health of the mobile home park residents for the sake of saving the Silver Oaks golf course.
"What's the city got to do with the golf course at Silver Oaks?" Clarke said.
But City Manager Steve Spina fired back, saying his interest was in protecting city property.
And Silver Oaks residents, who were unable to access the entrance to the neighborhood for several days because of flooding, were all for the pumping.
"I think it's a great partnership," Mickey Farrell said. "It's the first time we've had that."
Officials hope that pumping into Geiger Pond will prevent such tangles in the future. The plan has approval from Pasco County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Council members approved the agreement unanimously, with the condition that the Silver Oaks homeowners association covers all the costs.
Spina and council member Liz Geiger live in Silver Oaks, as does member Cathi Compton, who was not at Monday night's meeting.
Earlier Monday, the city's Planning Commission - an advisory board that makes recommendations to the City Council - voted to enable residential development on two large parcels. City Cottages at Silver Oaks is planned for 136 acres west of Silver Oaks Golf and Country Club, north of Eiland Boulevard and west of Simons Road. Plans call for 325 homes on 55-foot-wide and 65-foot-wide lots.
Nearby, S & R Development is pursuing a 555-home development on about 300 acres directly west of the Cottages community.
City Council members voted to draft a rezoning ordinance. The ordinance will next be brought back before the council for two public hearings.
The developments are not without opposition.
Jack Bageard, whose Sutton Oaks Lane property already is flooded, told the Planning Commission he is worried about water flow if hundreds of new homes are built on now-undeveloped land.
"The drainage issue is crucial for us," Bageard said.
Sandra Geiger raised concerns about density in the area, which is peppered with multiacre home sites and agriculture.
"We've enjoyed listening to the birds instead of the cars," she said.
City planner Todd Vande Berg said officials are working meticulously on drainage.
"Staff is very cognizant of the drainage issue," he said. "We're going to do everything at our disposal."
And Jim McNeil, attorney for the Cottages developer, said the project could even improve conditions because it will include large retention ponds.
During the council meeting, council member Celia Graham said she was not convinced the developments wouldn't worsen the flooding problems and voted against both rezonings.
