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Sun City Center considers its future
At an open house hosted by the Planning Commission, residents were asked to share their visions for the community.
By MEAGHAN FORBES
Published September 23, 2005
SUN CITY CENTER - At a Planning Commission open house last week, Sun City Center residents got their first look at what could be the future of their small community.
About 70 residents saw already-adopted community plans for Ruskin, Riverview and Apollo Beach, giving them the opportunity to think of projects they'd like to see in their own community.
County staffers also explained what developments are now allowed in Sun City Center and what is proposed for the future.
"(The open house) gives residents a chance to discuss what positive results they want to see come out of the planning process," project manager Stephen Griffin said.
Eventually, the plan will be included in the comprehensive plan, which is supposed to shape what a community looks like.
The Planning Commission will work with area stakeholders, the county's planning and growth management department, and the office of neighborhood relations to develop the community plan that will tie into the overall plan for the SouthShore area.
Residents were encouraged to voice concerns and make requests for the plan, as well as to volunteer to serve on an advisory committee.
The advisory committee will meet once every few weeks for the next 12 to 18 months. Another open house will be held to get the community's approval of the plan.
"I see it as an opportunity to define a city of the future," said resident and community association president Walt Cawein. "It's an opportunity for us to express our desires, wants and wishes in a formal plan."
Some residents said they want the plan to include upscale restaurants, wider roads, increased impact fees for builders, sign regulations, an outdoor park area with picnic benches, walking trails and playground equipment.
"Citizens find it a rewarding experience to help shape their community's future," Griffin said.
- Meaghan Forbes can be reached at 661-2439 or mforbes@sptimes.com
[Last modified September 22, 2005, 10:20:06]
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