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Hernando Today

Resort Townhomes Seen As Tourist Draw

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Published: June 15, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a request to build 241 two-story townhomes on 24 acres at Croom Rital Road, north of State Road 50, near Sherman Hills Golf Club.

The townhomes will be marketed for resort users.

The approval came after one hour of debate, much of it about the impact the development would have on Croom Rital Road and the method of townhome ownership.

Commissioner Diane Rowden voted against it, citing too many uncertainties associated with the project.

"We don't have the answers to these questions that we really need," Rowden said.

Rowden's motion to deny the rezoning died for lack of a second.

A second motion by Commissioner David Russell passed muster with other board members, especially after Russell and Commission Chairman Chris Kingsley tied approval to road improvements on Croom Rital.

Those improvements will include widening, and possible "banking" (road tilting) along that part of the road where it curves sharply.

Signs will go up at the dangerous road curves and the property owner was told he may have to acquire additional right of way if it becomes necessary.

The townhome resort project will accommodate seasonal rentals and leasing. The homes would be leased or purchased on a daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis and intended for tourists and resort users.

County Tourism Director Sue Rupe, in a letter to county commissioners, said the townhome project would "greatly enhance not only the growth of tourism in Hernando County but would assist in having this area to be recognized as a destination for resort communities."

Rupe said the Croom Rital area has a rich heritage and culture that would attract visitors and boost the local economy.

The Withlacoochee State Forest is across the street from the proposed project and tourists would have easy access to Interstate 75.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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