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Zoning change will allow offices

By ANDREW MEACHAM
Published September 29, 2006

WIMAUMA: Tarcila Pimentel got the rezoning she requested to build offices on one-third of an acre east of Fourth Street and north of State Road 674.

Pimentel told county commissioners on Tuesday that a zoning hearing master's recommendation was too restrictive.

That recommendation called for limiting the use of the property to offices and a self-service laundry.

Pimentel wanted the option to include other kinds of commercial uses. Commissioner Jim Norman favored sticking with the zoning hearing master's recommendation, but the commission voted 6-1 to support the rezoning without that restriction. PETITION 06-1528

THONOTOSASSA: After discussion, commissioners delayed a decision on driveways from a property at Sheldon Road and Fountain Avenue.

William Lichter wanted to modify a planned development by moving an access drive on the southern part of the property. The northern half of the property has already been developed as a chiropractor's office.

Lichter argued that because the undeveloped property and the medical office would not be related, driveways from the two properties onto Fountain Avenue should not be aligned or connected.

County staffers opposed the request, saying that the proposed location of the driveways presented a safety hazard. The case was postponed until the Oct. 10 County Commission meeting. (PETITION 06-1842)

RUSKIN: Commissioners also approved a request by Ruskin residents to widen the boundary of Ruskin's proposed commercial revitalization.

The Ruskin Chamber of Commerce in 1992 hired architects from the University of Florida to study redevelopment of the commercial district along U.S. 41.

The original boundary was from 19th Avenue to the Little Manatee River. The new boundary of the plan runs from 19th Avenue to the CSX railroad tracks.

The move is part of an extensive plan by residents, which includes re-evaluating the low-pressure sewer system now serving the community.

Andrew Meacham can be reached at 661-2431 or ameacham@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 28, 2006, 08:36:45]