Community News

Development on the Rise for Palm River

Posted: 1/2/2007

By: Liz Gutierrez, Excutive Director

Various reports say that approximately 2,500 families move into Hillsborough County every month- which means more people moving to Palm River. In the last 4 months over ten local property owners submitted requests for zoning variances to build. Furthermore, the County Future Land Use Plan, calls for higher density development and more light and heavy industrial uses. Many of the areas of the community that today are zoned for single families will be zoned for multi-family housing and more. The builders in the community say that they can’t build fast enough. Growth and new development in Palm River —according to experts— is inevitable.

Understanding that growth is happening everywhere in the County is important. Everyone knows and understands that without infrastructure there should be no development yet often there is. Everyone understands that infrastructure costs money and no one – County – City of Tampa --- or ---Palm River residents – have all the money that it will take to pay for it. The big question is --- What can the community do to get it’s infrastructure needs met? And how can we revitalize the community without causing residents to be dumped on or pushed out??

In 2006, Hillsborough County will be conducting a community planning process. This will be your most important opportunity for getting your voice heard. You will be able to tell County planners and officials what you want for this community. Residents, business owners, developers, churches and young people will be able to participate in a public process to determine the future of this community.

Get ready for it. Tell your neighbors about it and be sure to be at the table when your opportunity comes. 2006 – Your Community and It’s Your Time!! Call the POINT office and get involved in planning your Community.