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Neighborhood news
Zoning: Updates from around the area
By TIMES STAFF
Published March 2, 2007
RIVERVIEW: After hitting a speed bump with a zoning hearing master over traffic volume, a developer won approval Tuesday for a subdivision in the Simmons Loop area. The County Commission on Tuesday approved rezoning for 203 houses on 147 acres between Simmons Loop and Interstate 75 and south of Mary Lou Drive from agricultural to planned development. Ha-Len Simmons Ranch proposed lots ranging from 5,500 square feet to 1 acre. In recommending the proposal, the Planning Commission cited a compatibility with the surrounding development and plans that call for one-fourth of the development to be left open. The proposal includes a road running north and south to accommodate increased traffic. A zoning hearing master in December recommended against the project, saying that the area north and east of Simmons Loop should be protected from increased traffic - a position underscored by several neighbors at the hearing who argued that Simmons Loop already handles overflow traffic from Big Bend Road and U.S. 301. Transportation director Charles White said that even scheduled improvements to U.S. 301 will not be enough to handle future traffic, and that other roads will eventually have to make up for the deficit. The proposal passed unanimously after attorney Keith Bricklemyer, representing the developer, assured commissioners that Ha-Len would not pursue building permits until the collector road was completed. Petition 06-1687 RIVERVIEW: A developer won approval Tuesday to build 45 homes east of Oak Street between Riverview Drive and the Alafia River. Porte de la Mer would become the first planned community by builder NextGen Certified Communities, a company that promotes its storm-resistant construction standards for windows, walls and roofs. Commissioners gave property owner Peggy Fisher the rezoning she sought to allow for up to six units an acre on 16 acres. The site is next to the Alafia River, and three lots will face the river. Petition 06-1721 SEFFNER: Marjorie Hagerty won approval to rezone 9 acres southwest of Parsons and Old Hillsborough avenues from agricultural to a planned development. The rezoning clears the way for 16 houses. Petition 06-2235 Andrew Meacham can be reached at 661-2431 or ameacham@sptimes.com.
[Last modified March 1, 2007, 07:59:01]
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