Hickory Hill Requests Sail Through

When Hickory Hill is on the agenda, it usually means extended debates and elevated emotions.
Hickory Hill is a 1,650-home community planned for 2.3 miles southwest of Interstate 75 and State Road 50.
At Wednesday's county commission land use hearing, Hickory Hill appeared no less than three times on the agenda. Yet commissioners raced through them in about 15 minutes.
All three requests dealt with adding 4.55 acres to the Hickory Hill planned development district, which required a comprehensive plan amendment.
The requests, which will require a public hearing, sailed through with little or no discussion. The vote was 4-1.
Commissioner Diane Rowden prefaced the debate by reiterating her long-standing dissatisfaction of the development.
"I didn't support this project in 2007 and I can't support it now," said Rowden, who voted against each item.
The project has raised strong emotions on both sides. Critics believe the housing-commercial development will destroy the environment, create congested roads and be inconsistent with the rural flavor of the area. Supporters say Hickory Hill is exactly the kind of well-planned development needed to boost the county's economy and provide the kind of quality growth that should be encouraged.
Also at Wednesday's land use hearing, county commissioners:
Approved a rezoning that allows for an indoor granite counter top cutting and outdoor slab business at Nicasio Road and Needham Court, near U.S. 19 and Hexam Road in northwest Hernando County.
Postponed taking action until Sept. 10 on a proposed 155-foot communication tower on the west side of Linden Drive, south of Spring Hill Drive. The site is next to an existing water plant and there are commercial parcels nearby.
The tower would support no less than four antennas.