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Draft Details Group's Vision

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By TOM BRENNAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 22, 2007

BRANDON - Some people's visions are a bit more detailed than others.

When it came to drafting a vision statement for the Brandon Community Plan, some members of the plan's steering committee wanted a terse document.

"We wanted to set the right tone, to symbolize the warmth, friendliness and familyness of Brandon," said Vivian Bacca, one of the five people who composed the draft.

The draft was a main topic of discussion at the steering committee's monthly meeting held Monday at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Lumsden Road.

But Candace Knapp, who lives on Brooker Road, didn't think the draft went far enough because it didn't mention a town center.

"Brandon needs something to bring all the neighborhoods together, a core from which we can grow," she said. "Even if it is a central park, we need somewhere the people of Brandon and Valrico can come together and be together."

Gladys Will, who lives off Bell Shoals Road, didn't like that the draft endorsed sustainable growth.

"I'm concerned that before we get anything going on the plan, the developers are going to rezone everything," she said. "You can't get out of your driveway now. The roads are a disaster."

But Laura Simpson, a vice president with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and an author of the draft, said favoring sustainable growth implies having the infrastructure to support it.

"We know growth is inevitable, but we want growth that we can handle," she said.

Those backing the three-sentence draft vision statement said the concerns raised will be more appropriately addressed when defining the community plan's goals and strategies during the next few months.

"The vision should represent who we were, who we are and who we will be," Bacca said. "And be succinct."

The aim of the plan is to define guidelines for growth.

William Lamboy, the county planner overseeing the effort, said he hopes the committee can create goals and implementation strategies in the next few months and hold an open house in March or April.

Committee members also were asked to outline what they thought were Brandon's strengths, weaknesses, future opportunities and threats.

They listed the area's quality of life as the community's greatest asset. The crowded roads were criticized as the biggest failing. The chance to create more green space and improve the area's environment was the choice opportunity. Growth and development was seen as the largest threat.

The committee's meeting Jan. 28 will deal with transportation issues. The meeting is open to the public.

For information, call Lamboy at (813) 276-8337.

A VISION FOR BRANDON?

This is the proposed vision statement for the Brandon Community Plan drafted by its steering committee:

Brandon, the heart of Hillsborough, is a vibrant community of diverse neighborhoods. While preserving its small town atmosphere, the community embraces a rich blend of comprehensive economic opportunities and sustainable growth. Future development will seek to balance Brandon's natural, business and cultural environments.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What's your vision for Brandon's future? Tell us what you think by visiting brandon.tbo.com and clicking on "Forums."

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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