Mixed-use project dealt a setback

The council won't vacate part of Saxon Avenue the developer wants.

By BARBARA BEHRENDT, Times Staff Writer
Published August 22, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - It's back to the drawing board for an office and housing project billed as both an economic boon and a rejuvenated entrance to the city.

City Council voted unanimously Monday not to vacate a piece of Saxon Avenue between Museum Court and Broad Street.

According to representatives of the developer, Hilltop Partners LLC, a firm led by retired mining executive Tommy Bronson, the developer needed the road to tie together its development of office space, retail and residential units near Rogers' Christmas House.

City attorney David La Croix told the council members they had to decide whether the city would have any need in the future for the road.

Council member Lara Bradburn said the council should also discuss related issues, such as access to the property and whether there would be an adverse or beneficial aspect to vacation of the street.

La Croix noted that the developer had already agreed to provide easements to allow various city and other utilities to stay on the site or he would be willing to move them. He has also agreed to allow the public access across the property if the road were vacated.

"That sounds like the public needs that. And if there is a public need, you shouldn't be vacating," La Croix said.

Resident Anthony Pedonesi agreed with La Croix. "This is an area already congested," he said, describing the "circuitous route" people would have to travel around that area if Saxon Avenue were vacated.

In addition to voting down the street vacation, the council also talked about why that was the only issue related to the project that had come before them. All of the other details had been settled through the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.

"I'd like to request a change in our policy so that all planned development projects come before the council," Bradburn said.

Bringing all of those projects to the council for approval will allow council members "to give clear direction as to where we want our city to go," she said.

La Croix will bring a draft version of a proposed policy change back to a future meeting.

Barbara Behrendt can be reached at behrendt@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1434.

In other business:

- The council agreed to prepare a utility service agreement that would extend the city's water and sewer lines south on U.S. 41 about a mile south of the entrance road into Southern Hills. Grace Tabernacle Church needed the service to develop 13 of the 37 acres it owns at that site. City officials said the developer would share the cost and the city's share would be $261,700, less than half of what it would cost to run the lines itself.

- The council waived fees for the Nov. 10 Veteran's Appreciation Parade and provided police to handle traffic. Anna Lisa Covell requested their consideration and also to consider other help they could provide. Council members said they support the veterans and the event but were concerned on waiving insurance requirements. They asked Covell to explore other ways to cover liability and let them know what she is able to do.

[Last modified August 21, 2007, 21:17:47]