Former Lions Club To Get Makeover

After months of debate, the final fate of an empty building at 247 Hallcrest Avenue in Spring Hill has been decided.

County commissioners voted 4-1 Wednesday to place more restrictions on a developer's plans to convert the former Lions Club facility into a restaurant. Residents who live near the area east of Waterfall Drive in Spring Hill have opposed the project fearing congestion and an increase in crime.

Planning staffers received a petition with 107 signatures objecting to the rezoning.

But none showed up to speak against the project Wednesday.

Commissioners had already approved the rezoning but wanted to review the performance conditions from the developer as to how the building will be used.

Commissioner Diane Rowden on Wednesday continued her objection to the project, saying a restaurant in the heart of a neighborhood would adversely affect the area.

But Commissioner Rose Rocco said a nice restaurant would be an asset to the community because it would revitalize an empty building and prevent kids from hanging out there.

In Other News:

• The board voted 4-1 to allow Equity Trust Co. a special exception use permit for a 275-unit, four-story assisted living facility on the west side of Grove Road, off State Road 50. The center will serve active seniors 55 and older.

Residents who live near the proposed development spoke against the project, saying it would add too much traffic on Grove Road.

One of the stipulations of approval is that the developer would make road improvements to Grove Road.

But that didn't sway Rowden, who voted against the request.

"It sounds like we're going to have a mess out there if this is approved," Rowden said.

Rocco said the new facility provides a need for the community and will bring jobs.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a master plan revision and rezoning for Sea Gate, a mixed housing and commercial project on the south side of Wiscon Road, just west of U.S. 41.

Commissioners approved amendments to the county's capital improvements plan totaling $307 million, up from the previously adopted plan of $305.5 million.

Florida Statutes require the county to update the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of its comprehensive plan every year.

The amendments to the CIE will be sent to the Florida Department of Community Affairs and other agencies for review and comment.