New site for Habitat thrift store gets first okay

The store must move from its S Broad Street location because of zoning problems.

By BETH N. GRAY, Times staff writer
Published August 10, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Habitat for Humanity of Hernando County got a step up this week on its blueprint for a new home - this one, for itself.

Acting on a staff recommendation, the city's planning and zoning board approved the non-profit's request to have a property on Oliver Street behind the fairgrounds rezoned from agricultural to commercial 2 with special exceptions for manufacturing and retail.

Habitat intends to move its pre-construction operations and thrift store from S Broad Street near the Airport Industrial Park to a 22,000-square-foot facility at 19370 Oliver Street.

The move was necessitated when county code enforcement late last year notified Habitat that its operations on Broad didn't meet the industrial zoning there. Although the county initially gave Habitat 60 days to move out, negotiations resulted in an open-ended time line as long as Habitat was pursuing new quarters.

The rezoning request now will go to Brooksville City Council, said Habitat Executive Director Cliff Fouts. The issue is scheduled for discussion at the council's Sept. 10 meeting. "It can't be official until a second reading in October," he added.

Meanwhile, Habitat is looking to obtain $70,000 to $100,000 for building renovations. Staff and volunteers are investigating loan rates and possible grants, Fouts said.

"As a nonprofit, we can't have money set aside," he explained. A nonprofit's money has to be at work. And grant providers agree, Fouts noted.

The money will fund such renovations as upgrading the fire alarm system, insulating the structure, installing air conditioning, bringing lighting up to standard, adding two handicapped-accessible bathrooms and detailing space for the thrift shop.

If that sounds like a lot of work and a lot of outlay, Fouts pointed out earlier this year it was difficult finding a building at all of the size to fit the agency's needs. Owners of two other buildings that Habitat looked at declined to pursue the matter further because they did not want a thrift shop in their neighborhoods.

After rezoning approval, Habitat will begin paying $9,600 a month on a five-year lease. The owner, Fouts said, will consider selling at the end of the lease.

Currently, the owner is allowing Habitat to use the facility for some of its pre-construction work, putting together sections that are then trucked to the home-building sites.

As for when Habitat can make its final move, Fouts said, "I can't even begin to guess."

Beth Gray can be contacted at graybethn@earthlink.net

[Last modified August 9, 2007, 20:43:51]