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Guest Column

Old Homosassa project fits, will shake things up

By DENNIS DAMATO
Published August 7, 2006

Opposition to the proposed Riverside Resort project has caused controversy and misunderstanding in Old Homosassa.

The County Commission's approval of this project does not open the door to mid rise development on the Homosassa River. Remember, any development or redevelopment along our waterways will have to meet all applicable land use regulations, building codes and the Coastal High Hazard Zone Act case by case.

The Riverside Resort has been in continuous operation for more than 40 years in Old Homosassa. It should be viewed as the central hub of the Old Homosassa redevelopment district because of its longevity and unique waterfront location. Its success will encourage other property owners to invest in the area by becoming stakeholders in the redevelopment process.

The resort property carries the general neighborhood commercial land use designation of the Land Development Code. The planned development overlay process is allowed under this land use category.

The Planning Development and Review Board approved the project with more than 20 conditions proposed by county staff members. Those same conditions were in place when approved by the county commissioners.

The proposed buildings are sized under the height guidelines of the Coastal High Hazard Zone Act, meet Federal Emergency Management Agency flood standards and comply with the Americans with Disabilities federal access requirements. The proposed project also meets the aesthetic regulations outlined in the Old Homosassa Redevelopment District Overlay Plan.

Most importantly, the three living levels over parking at grade is a best management practice that encourages open space enhanced with native landscape.

This modern development practice requires less fill, less paved parking and stormwater drainage retention. The maximum height allowed under the Coastal High Hazard Zone Act is 50 feet, and the proposed buildings will be 42 feet, 6 inches. This is no higher than a two-level single-family residence built above a vehicle garage.

Many local residents commented about the project's importance, including job retention and creation, increased tourism activities, and being the right fit for the fabric of the community. As the former chairman of the Crystal River Community Redevelopment Agency for 16 years and the owner of redeveloped residential and commercial buildings for more than 25 years, I have firsthand knowledge about this process.

I am a strong proponent of modern development "community standards" to applicable land uses, codes and regulations, and building with premium quality exterior building facade aesthetics including native landscaping.

The Riverside Resort project meets all of those criteria. Its redevelopment and revitalization to modern development standards should be viewed as the anchor and economic engine that ensures the vitality of this coastal community. That is why I voted to support this proposed project.

Dennis Damato is a Citrus County commissioner. Guest columnists write their views on subjects they choose, which do not necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.

[Last modified August 7, 2006, 06:22:07]