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River resort plans a dramatic upgrade

Gail Oakes of Homosassa Riverside Resort unveils early plans to build up to four stories and add 99 suites. Some are wary of so much growth.

By JUSTIN GEORGE
Published April 8, 2005

LECANTO - Early plans for the redevelopment of an Old Homosassa hotel feature unprecedented four-story buildings along the Homosassa River.

That gives pause to environmental advocates and longtime residents who worry growth could gobble up views and further clog the river with boats and the thin streets with cars.

Gail Oakes, who owns the Homosassa Riverside Resort and is a member of Citrus' Tourist Development Council, is proposing to add 99 hotel suites and 24 hotel rooms to her hotel on S Cherokee Way along the banks of the Homosassa River.

The hotel, a small, two-story campus that caters to tourists, fishermen and divers, now has 24 hotel rooms and 28 remodeled suites. The 28 would remain after redevelopment, but the other rooms would be demolished, giving the hotel a total of 151 rooms, along with 4,000 square feet of retail space if Oakes' plans are approved.

Planning and Development Review Board members Thursday saw vague blueprints and called for more details before they said they would consider the project. So far, plans include upscale rooms built three stories high atop a first-floor parking area. The buildings would "step back" as they go up in an attempt to minimize the impact of the building's height. They also would jog around sprawling oak trees on the property, the type that are central to the character of Old Homosassa.

Initially, the 24 hotel rooms planned were to be built above an abandoned marina, but county officials said doing so would violate Citrus' comprehensive plan. Those details are being rehashed. County officials also have concerns about Fire Rescue's ability to handle emergencies four stories high.

"The building height is the central issue," community development director Chuck Dixon said, "and that's something I want to get a feel for."

Traffic studies need to be done, too.

"It will generate more traffic in our little town," said Dan Hillen, member of the Save the Homosassa River Alliance, an environmental group. "It will create congestion."

He said the alliance doesn't object to a resort's refurbishing, as long as the impact on the river is studied. Oakes stressed that none of her project lies in government-protected wetlands.

"As a resident of Old Homosassa, I would say go, Gail, go," Hillen said. "but do this thing right."

Besides making money, Oakes said, keeping Old Homosassa's charm and improving its aesthetics and environment have long been top priorities. She said she unsuccessfully lobbied legislators in Tallahassee for projects that would develop a pedestrian "walk to the river" in Homosassa. Her project, she said, could finally help develop a river walkway.

The debate Thursday coincided with the planning board's first look at the Old Homosassa Overlay District, which is a set of guidelines that could make developers retain Homosassa's historic architectural feel in projects. Oakes said her hotel will do so while improving the run-down resort.

"It's been unimproved for so many years," she said, "and in fact it's been dilapidated."

More tax money could be kept in the community, she said, by giving some of the 3,000 people who visit the nearby Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park more rooms for rent, something business leaders have said is needed.

The planning board will review Oakes' project at least two more times once Oakes submits more details.

Justin George can be reached at 352 860-7309 or jgeorge@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 8, 2005, 00:33:18]