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Mega-Development Is Back On The Table

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 7, 2008

BRANDON - Part of a proposed mega-development west of Interstate 75 is being resurrected in pieces.

Hillsborough County planners are reviewing two requests to modify land uses on 90 acres south of State Road 60 and east of Falkenburg Road for intense business and residential development.

The proposals call for converting 26 acres into 200,000 square feet of retail space and constructing 400 town houses or apartments.

On a separate 64 acres, the new developer, I-75/Palm River Road LLC, is proposing 395,000 square feet of retail space, which could include a big-box store, a 125-room hotel and as many as 735 multi-family units, depending on market conditions.

"It is sort of a resurrection," Hillsborough County planner Susan Mariner said. This time, however, the project is being proposed as two developments.

Last year, Zons Development proposed one massive 144-acre project that fell just short of the threshold for developments of regional impact. The DRI designation requires approval from regional regulatory agencies and typically requires major road improvements and money for more public services.

Zons' plans were approved by the county with numerous conditions, but the developer withdrew the proposal in February without public explanation.

Both of the new proposals will be reviewed as one to determine potential effects on the community, especially transportation, Mariner said.
Tylon McGee, the county planner reviewing the proposal for the 64-acre parcel, said because the request for a major modification arrived only recently, she has not had time to review it. She said she probably won't get to it for several weeks.

The main objective of the visit will be to determine whether the project would be compatible with surrounding land uses, she said.

The county has earmarked the entire area from State Road 60 south to the Selmon Crosstown Expressway east of Falkenburg Road for high-intensity residential and business development because of its proximity to I-75 and industrial businesses. Up to 35 units per acre are allowed in that corridor.

The two proposals are scheduled to go before the county's zoning hearing master July 14 and the County Commission on Sept. 9.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 657-4532 or yhammett@tampatrib.com.

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