Developer's request for annexation cites shopping plaza plan

The developer also wants Dade City to change the zoning at the site adjacent to the county fairgrounds.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 17, 2000

DADE CITY -- A Zephyrhills real estate investor wants Dade City to annex 16.6 acres along State Road 52 to build a regional shopping plaza, including a large grocery store, and possibly provide a site for a YMCA.

William Nye, who owns a Century 21 office, petitioned the city for the annexation last week. The matter has yet to be reviewed by city staff or placed on an agenda for City Commission discussion, but the application is complete and the required $200 fee submitted, according to City Hall files.

The property is on the north side of SR 52 adjacent to the county's John S. Burks Memorial Park, across the street from the Pasco County fairgrounds and next door to the Department of Children and Families building.

Nye said Wednesday the main reason for annexing his property into the city is the ease of working with city staff and the accessibility of city officials.

According to his proposal, Nye wants to change the property's zoning from agricultural/residential to commercial, then build a retail complex anchored by a 37,000-square-foot supermarket.

The Lakeland-based Publix supermarket chain, which does not have a store in the area, has been the subject of rumors around Dade City for months. On Monday the rumors surfaced at a Saint Leo Town Commission meeting when Mayor Janis Klingle said she had learned developers were looking for land in the area for a Publix.

Nye said growth in the region, especially the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club project and ongoing work at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, makes the location an ideal spot for retail businesses.

"The closer a grocery store is to a city and to the people, the closer the relationship with the customers," he said.

Publix spokesman Lee Brunson said because of the highly competitive nature of the grocery business, it's his company's policy not to comment on store plans until a lease is signed on the property.

In his annexation request, Nye said the city would also benefit from the development.

"Annexation of the property will be an asset to the city and its current and future residents by providing a neighborhood commercial retail shopping center. ... ," the request stated. "There are currently no other existing supermarket facilities located in this area of the city or county."

The proposed project would be on the city tax rolls and hook up to city water and sewer.

Nye said he has also spoken with YMCA officials about possibly building a recreation center on some of the remaining property. The site would be within easy walking distance of Pasco High School and the county's ball fields as well as convenient to motorists from Dade City and San Antonio.

John Armatas, who is spearheading efforts to establish a temporary YMCA facility in a city-owned building in downtown Dade City, confirmed Wednesday that board members have spoken with Nye about the property, but said discussions were very preliminary.

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