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The Tampa developer's 192-unit project, which requires the city to build a $650,000 sewer line, would be among the largest in the city.
By CHASE SQUIRES
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 29, 2001
DADE CITY -- A Tampa developer is considering building a 192-unit apartment complex just east of Happy Hill Road, along Janke Road, if Dade City agrees to extend a sewer line to the area, City Manager Doug Drymon announced Tuesday.
Drymon said extending the sewer line would cost the city about $650,000, but some of that money would be recouped through impact fees, both from the apartment complex and from new customers who could be added along the route from city limits west to Happy Hill Road.
Drymon said developer William E. Ware, president of Ware Realty Financial Services, requested a letter from commissioners declaring the city's intent to build the sewer line before he gets started on the project. Commissioners agreed to send a letter stating their interest, but said the letter should withhold a commitment until Ware's plans are solidified and put in writing.
If constructed, the complex would be among the largest in Dade City. Drymon said there is no time line for construction, and the proposal is in the very early stages.
While not willing to make a written commitment to a sewer line, commissioners said they supported the idea for a development in the area.
"I think it's certainly a direction we would want to go," Mayor Scott Black said.
Along the same lines, commissioners at Tuesday's meeting approved a preliminary annexation contract with the Lynan Farms equestrian development -- about 54 acres divided into large lots. That annexation, when completed, would extend city limits farther west toward Happy Hill Road, in the general direction of the proposed apartment complex.
Earlier this year, commissioners agreed annexation along the State Road 52 corridor to Happy Hill Road should be a priority.
"I think we've got to go that way," Commissioner Lowell Harris said. "That is our ideal corridor."
In other business Tuesday, commissioners formally agreed to let the YMCA move into the Lindy C. Smith Civic Center, across the street from City Hall, to establish its Dade City branch.
Work already has started at the civic center in preparation for remodeling. YMCA officials said they expect to be open for business with a weight room and other amenities by the end of October and said locker rooms and showers should be completed by the end of the year.
Once the YMCA has established a solid membership base at its temporary quarters, leaders hope to build a permanent facility with a swimming pool in town.
Also Tuesday:
Commissioners accepted a $50,000 state grant for expanding Watson Field, including the addition of two basketball courts.
The board also honored Black with a resolution for his recent election to the head of the Florida League of Cities.
And commissioners worked under their newly renovated city seal for the first time. The updated city logo maintains the cluster of oranges in the old logo, but incorporates a darker color and new icons to resemble old orange packing labels, reflecting the city's history in the citrus industry. The new seal is mounted on the wall of the commission chambers.