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Port Richey leaders put two hot topics on the agenda

By PHIL DAVIS
Published October 7, 2005

PORT RICHEY - The city will tackle controversial topics at two meetings Monday night.

First up: a 6 p.m. public hearing on the revised land development code.

Discussion of the 700-page rewrite of the current code had been delayed for almost a month. First, the new city attorney took time to review the code. More recently, the city had to reschedule the hearing because the former city attorney, Gerald Figurski, was not available to discuss changes he made.

Figurski's decision to take the rewrite job away from a consultant has been a contentious point in city politics for almost a year.

The proposed code is intended to clarify zoning regulations.

It adds requirements such as landscaping for new construction in the city.

The council will also cast the first of two votes required to approve the code.

At 7:30 p.m., the planning and zoning board will hear a request to rezone the property where Port Richey's oldest building used to stand. The 99-year-old historic church and schoolhouse was demolished on Aug. 30.

Port Richey Building Official Ed Winch said a zoning change is appropriate for the property. He said the board will not discuss property owner Wahoo Management's plans to build a boat storage facility on the lot. "What he's proposing to do isn't even a thought yet," said Winch, adding he has seen no plans of designs of the proposed facility.

Winch said the boat storage plan as described is likely to run afoul of several city codes.

"Most likely, staff would have to recommend a denial of what he wants to do," Winch said. "It is definitely going to be a problem."

Both meetings will be at City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road.

[Last modified October 7, 2005, 01:50:23]