Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

County approves 3 growth proposals

Riverview, Ruskin and Apollo Beach take different approaches to control development.

By TIM GRANT
Published February 25, 2005

Community plans for growth in Riverview, Ruskin and Apollo Beach are one step closer to reality, having won unanimous approval Feb. 17 from Hillsborough County commissioners.

The goals and strategies for development for decades to come in those three communities will be adopted into the county's comprehensive plan during a public hearing on May 26.

The plans now must be reviewed by officials at the state Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee to be sure they are consistent with the state's comprehensive plan.

"We'll get comments from the state within the next 30 days," said Joe Incorvia, the county's community planning manager.

Each of the community plans is unique, but all reflect a desire to control growth, create a sense of place and maintain a small town spirit.

Supporters of the Ruskin plan want to revitalize their business center, promote the historic character of the town and allow diversity of homes. They want Ruskin to be a eco-tourism destination.

Riverview residents will preserve the Alafia River and develop the U.S. 301 corridor. Their plan stresses support for the agriculture industry and encourages economic growth in other areas.

People in Apollo Beach value maintaining the canal system, improved sidewalks, bicycle lanes and trails connectivity and the renovation and retrofitting of homes.

"This is like a community constitution on how they want to develop," said Commissioner Jim Norman, explaining the community plans before the vote.

"Every board of county commissioners can depend on this document and rely on it."

[Last modified February 24, 2005, 09:34:05]