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Land likely to welcome industry

A residential plan two years ago fell through. Now the 94-acre tract north of Sixth Avenue seems bound to have industrial occupants.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published January 11, 2006

ZEPHYRHILLS - Property near the city airport that was once considered for residential development now has a future in industry.

The 94-acre parcel, north of Sixth Avenue, has access on its eastern border to the CSX railroad tracks.

Kevin Ryman, a part owner of the property, said Tuesday there are no specific plans for it but that industry would be the best use.

"It's hard to find industrial property with rail on it (in Zephyrhills)," he said.

Two years ago, a residential developer unveiled plans to build 275 houses at the site. The new neighborhood would have abutted two moderate- and low-income neighborhoods long saddled with crime and drug activity. Developers said the addition of new homes and homeowners would benefit the whole area.

But the plans fizzled because of concerns about noise and low-flying planes at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Ryman and his partners bought the land late last year for $1.7-million, according to county records.

On Tuesday, the city's planning commission approved a rezoning and land use change that will allow the property to be developed for industry. City staff members will require that any development include a heavy buffer near area homes.

In a letter to the city, Matt Hulbert, another of the owners, said several tenants have shown interest in the property.

One of them, Hulbert wrote, "would be a major employer for the community as well as provide a major economic impact to Zephyrhills."

Molly Moorhead can be reached at 352 521-6521 or toll-free, 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6521. Her e-mail address is moorhead@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 11, 2006, 00:41:19]