A lot on Bennett Road planned to be rezoned will need a traffic analysis and a barrier to protect wetlands.
Earlier in 2015, the City Commission had announced its priority to focus on economic development. It closed out the year with that priority still at the forefront at its last Commission meeting Monday, Dec. 14. The Commission voted to set a public hearing to rezone an area of land north of Interstate 4, near Thonotosassa Road, to prepare it for future development.
The more than 9 acres of land at 2515 Bennett Road is currently zoned for a single-family dwelling district.
“It’s right off the interstate,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “Stepping Stone Air Conditioning is right there. The rest of it is really residential, agricultural.”
If commissioners approve the rezoning, the lot will be rezoned to the Bennett Planned Development District and would require a 25-foot wide buffer around the wetland area of the property. Wetlands make up 3.68 acres of the lot.
The lot will need infrastructure work as well. The residential lot is not served by City water services or sewer services. If rezoned, the lot owner must pay out of pocket to obtain the proper utilities for future development.
Before the site undergoes development, the pavement that leads to the lot will need a transportation analysis. According to the Planning and Zoning Division report, the road leading to the lot is one lane and needs upgrades.
Though the lot will need adjustments the Planning and Zoning Division recommended approval, as the lot has a commercial and natural preservation future land use designation.
Commissioners did not disclose when the land might be developed and by who, but development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Plant City. The lot is located three minutes from other commercial areas, including the Wawa, Starbucks and other restaurants located off Thonotosassa Road near I-4 ramps. This commercial area also is undergoing changes to ease traffic with the installation of a traffic light next to the Wawa.
The public hearing for the lot is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobsever.com.
In Other News
The City Commission introduced the City of Plant City’s new Human Resources and Risk Management Director, Mercedes Perez. Perez began working for the City on Nov. 30. Previously, she worked for the City of Gulfport as the director of Risk Management and Human Resources.
Krazy Kup owners Frank and Wenda Trunzo will be opening a sidewalk cafe between Krazy Kup and Plant City Community Bingo in January. Krazy Kup is located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City Community Bingo was notified before the sidewalk cafe was approved and did not voice an objection to its creation.
Plant City High School student Luke Whitmore was presented with a proclamation. Whitmore, the captain of the Raiders’ cross-country team, was competing at an event when he came across Walker Thomas, an injured runner. Instead of passing him and racing to the finish line, Whitmore helped Thomas, and they finished the race together. Thomas, a Plant High student, was also presented with a proclamation at the City Commission meeting.
