Sunrise Project Moves Forward

The economic downturn has stalled several construction projects in Hernando County, including the massive Sunrise development on the eastside.

But planning and zoning commissioners at their meeting Monday assured the developer he now has the necessary local and state approvals to move forward.

It only took four years to get to this point, Planning Chairwoman Anna Liisa Covell said.

Now, it's just a matter of waiting for the market to improve.

"So when the economy does break loose, they're ready to go," Covell said.

When built, Sunrise would be the largest mixed-use development ever to hit this county. It would be located on 1,385 acres within the Interstate 75-State Road 50 planned development district (PDD).

Planning commissioners Monday unanimously approved the developer's request to rezone the property to a combined PDD.

In doing so, the board members also established a master plan on the property with several developer performance stipulations, some related to the setbacks of the project from State Road 50 and Sunrise Boulevard.

As currently envisioned, Sunrise would have up to 4,200 single-family homes, 600 multi-family units, 75 motel units, at least 325,000 square feet of retail commercial, 50,000 square feet of office space and 40,000 square feet of mini warehouses.

The developer may also include 18 golf holes, a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, an amenities center and other facilities.

Given current market conditions, the residential portion of the project is currently planned to be age-restricted for seniors.

People will be able to access the development from Buckner and Sunrise boulevards, both of which are being built as part of the project.

Because of the project's size, Sunrise Land Partnership had to submit an application for a development of regional impact in 2005.

In 2007, the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council approved and recommended a regional report to the county with the condition that a transportation analysis be finalized before Sunrise is issued a development order.

In response, Sunrise prepared a plan for the I-75 and SR 50 planned development district to show the transportation network and how it would coincide with the county's comprehensive plan.

Also at Monday's P&Z meeting:

• The board denied an applicant's request to rezone three lots along Spring Hill Drive to build two 8,000-square-foot professional office buildings.

Board members sided with staffers who believe the office buildings would be an encroachment upon nearby residents, despite arguments to the contrary from Don Lacey, vice president of Coastal Engineering Associates.

"No matter how you look at it, it's business - it's commercial," Planning Commissioner Anthony Palmieri said.

Palmieri said the buildings would not be consistent with the county's comprehensive plan.

• With Covell and P&Z member Anthony Palmieri stepping down next month, the board has recommended Lisa Hammond and Denis Riley as replacements. Hammond is already an alternate member.

County commissioners will make their appointments at an upcoming meeting.