Hillsborough County Commissioners have voted against a significant land development proposal in North Hillsborough County, near Odessa. The plan aimed to rezone over 300 acres for extensive residential and commercial use, but faced strong opposition from local residents and was ultimately denied by the commissioners.
Key Takeaways
- A developer sought to change land use rules to allow for residential and commercial development on over 300 acres.
- The proposal included options for 392 RV spaces or 392 single-family homes, along with over 100,000 square feet of commercial space.
- Hillsborough County Commissioners voted to maintain existing land use rules, rejecting the developer’s request.
- Approximately 150 residents attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the project.
The Development Plan
Developer Stephen Dibbs had proposed transforming a large parcel of land in North Hillsborough County into a mixed-use neighborhood. The plan involved changing the land’s designation from ‘Agricultural-Rural’ to ‘Residential-4’, which would significantly increase housing density. Specifically, the proposal allowed for up to four homes per acre, a stark contrast to the current five-acre minimum per home.
In addition to residential units, the development also included plans for over 100,000 square feet of commercial space. The developer’s representatives argued that the property’s location, near major roadways and somewhat secluded, made this type of development a realistic and certain outcome.
Community Opposition
The proposal was met with considerable resistance from the local community. Around 150 residents attended the county commissioners’ meeting to express their concerns. Many cited the desire to preserve the rural character of the Keystone Odessa area, which they chose for its current land use policies.
Residents like Brittney Barrie voiced worries about increased traffic and the impact on their quality of life. She highlighted that the developer purchased the land after existing plans were in place and argued that the proposal sought an exception that would disrupt the established community vision. Concerns were also raised about the proposed use of a private driveway as an entrance for a large number of homes.
The Commissioners’ Decision
The Hillsborough County Commissioners ultimately sided with the residents and the existing comprehensive plan. To approve the development, commissioners would have first needed to vote to expand the Urban Service Area to include the parcel. Following that, they would have had to vote to change the land use plan, allowing the rezoning from agricultural to residential.
However, the commissioners chose not to alter the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, effectively denying the developer the necessary approvals. This decision upholds the current land use regulations that prioritize lower density and rural preservation in the area.
Future Outlook
While the immediate development attempt has failed, it remains unclear if the developers will present a similar proposal in the future. Residents have indicated their readiness to continue opposing any future attempts to develop the land in a manner that contradicts the community’s established character and land use goals.