Though we hadn’t but acquired, at our press time, affirmation that the deal has been finalized, it seems that Metro Improvement Group and Pasco County have come to an settlement that hopefully will assist shield the protection of the residents of Abby Brooks Cir. (ABC), Lily Arbor Method and Swift Wind Dr. within the Epperson Ranch II Group Improvement District (CDD).
As we reported again in Could, a brand new improvement of 186 townhomes within the Epperson North CDD is slated to open adjoining to these single-family houses within the Epperson Ranch II CDD — on property that was initially meant to be a college, with an entrance on Elam Rd.
When Pasco County rezoned the property for the townhomes, the doorway on Elam Rd., which at present is getting used as a development entrance (see photograph), was eradicated, which meant the one entrance and exit to and from the brand new townhomnes could be from Epperson Blvd. by ABC, including an estimated 400 day by day journeys by the quiet neighborhood by individuals who wouldn’t dwell within the neighborhood nor in Epperson II in any respect.
A big group of involved Epperson II residents attended the Could 6 Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) assembly to complain, and the commissioners, to their credit score, agreed that not having an Elam Rd. entrance for the townhomes was a mistake. Additionally they stated, nonetheless, that they didn’t suppose something could possibly be performed about it, however had the group meet with the county’s Planning Dept. director David Engel and Improvement Providers Dept. director David Allen whereas the Could 6 BCC assembly was nonetheless in session. Engel and Allen stated they might discuss to Metro to see if the developer would conform to at the least enable the doorway on Elam Rd. to be constructed as a full second entrance/exit, as a substitute for ABC.
On July 8, Metro VP of promoting & communications Lisa Gibbings despatched me an e-mail with the next replace:
• Development of the Elam Rd. entrance will start when the county completes remaining assessment and approval of the plan modification.
• The doorway is anticipated to be accomplished concurrently the completion of the general townhome undertaking, or by the tip of 2025.
• Whereas it’s at present an energetic development zone, entry is just not permitted to be used by the general public till the doorway and total townhome undertaking have been accomplished.
• To the most effective of our data, there isn’t a settlement in place nor one being mentioned between Epperson Ranch II CDD and Epperson North CDD relating to the doorway. On Could 13, 2025, the developer and Pasco County employees met with and shared the proposed (new) entrance plan to representatives of the Epperson Ranch II CDD and residents of the [Epperson II] neighborhood that attended. The proposed plan was properly acquired, and the developer is at present working with the county for remaining development plan assessment and approval.
• It’s our understanding that throughout the Epperson Ranch II CDD assembly on July 3, 2025, the Chair of the Board of Supervisors indicated the doorway highway matter is actually resolved.
• “Metro is worked up to associate with Pasco County to carry this entrance to the brand new townhome group inside Epperson. We hope this provides one other layer of comfort and security for residents whereas lowering congestion throughout the [ABC] group.”
The Epperson II residents wouldn’t remark till the settlement was finalized.
