Developer proposes new retail center

By EVE LEBERSON

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 30, 2000

CITRUS PARK -- Since the mall opened in early 1998, businesses big and small have popped up all along Citrus Park Drive.

And Joseph Militello wants a piece of the action.

Militello is asking permission to develop less than an acre of land for an 8,800-square-foot retail center at the northeast corner of Gunn Highway and Citrus Park Drive.

Militello originally asked the county last year for approval to build a 3,171-square-foot convenience store with gas pumps. But in December, county commissioners remanded the petition back to a zoning hearing master to address issues related to access points and the nearby Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Since then, Militello has modified his request.

According to the revised petition, the property will have one access point onto the east side of Gunn Highway. After construction of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail overpass is completed in early 2003, the developer may build a driveway onto the north side of Gunn Highway. A zoning hearing master will hear the newest request this Tuesday. (Petition 99-1222)

These petitions will also be heard by a zoning hearing master this week:

CARROLLWOOD: The developer of a 8.61-acre, mixed-use site on the northwest corner of Gunn Highway and Henderson Road seeks to reduce retail space on the property and increase the size of a self-storage warehouse.

Buckley Schuler Properties Inc. wants to trim 8,500 square feet of retail space from the project and boost the amount of room in a mini warehouse.

County commissioners approved the planned development last year despite the staff's recommendation against it. (Petition 00-0734) KEYSTONE: A property owner seeks approval to make major changes to a 27-acre planned development on Hutchison Road, near Macallan Drive

Harold W. Harr wants permission to build two homes on 2.29-acres north of the Veterans Expressway. On a 22-acre site east of Hutchison Road and south of Chantilly Lake, Harr proposes the development of 34 homes. And on 3 acres southeast of Hutchison and Wilcox roads, he wants a 300-seat church and a day care center for 130 children. The property, rezoned in 1984, was originally okayed for 78 homes surrounding Chantilly Lake, but construction of the Veterans Expressway divided the site into three separate parcels.

County staffers and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the petition. (Petition 00-0729)

LUTZ: Hannah Bartoletta Construction Inc. wants to add almost 1,800 square feet to its office at the northeast corner of Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard.

The company is asking to rezone the .72-acre site so it can expand from 6,045 square feet to 7,840 square feet.

County staff and the planning commission have recommended approval of the petition. (Petition 00-0794)

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