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Sale could sprout subdivision
By TIM GRANT, Times Staff Writer CARROLLWOOD -- A pending land sale may pave the way for a new subdivision between the Thompson East and Hampton Lake communities. Landowner Fred Hoedt said he recently signed a contract to sell 20 acres of land he owns off Bearss Avenue. The buyer could use that land to build an access road that could help secure county approval for the subdivision. "I needed to get rid of a piece of property that was eating me up in taxes," said Hoedt, who lives in Land 'O Lakes. Homeowners in Thompson East and Hampton Lakes are opposed to the rezoning, which would allow new homes on 22 acres surrounded by protected wildlife habitat. Those residents were grateful when Hoedt told a zoning officer in July that he would not allow his land to be used for an access road. But they can no longer rely on that obstacle to help them win their fight against developer Dimitri Artzibushev. "Our resolve is not diminished," said Hampton Lake homeowner Mike Lynch. "Our case is still strong and we are positive we will prevail." While residents have raised traffic and environmental concerns, the only problem county planners could find with the project was that Artzibushev had no road access to the remote property. If the land sale succeeds, county officials are likely to reverse their stance, said zoning officer Diane Dacke. "It would most likely change our recommendation to a recommendation of approval," Dacke said about the potential access road. "Because that is what the contention was before." The architectural tract would then be rezoned for four to six homes per acre. A zoning hearing master will hear the case on Aug. 27. Hoedt said he accepted a $15,000 payment from developer Steve Dibbs to buy the land for $125,000. Hoedt said that after Dibbs buys the property, Dibbs will negotiate with Artzibushev for an easement to build an access road. Artzibushev told residents in a meeting early this summer that he wants to build 27 homes in the $400,000 price range. However, he provided no details about how close the new homes would back up to theirs, how they would be arranged or where the retention pond would be. While Hampton Lake homeowners are leery of increased traffic, both Thompson East and Hampton Lake residents are concerned about the environmental consequences of developing the sensitive land. It is part of a county-designated, significant wildlife habitat. What's more, they say, the neighborhood already has a history of flooding. -- Tim Grant can be reached at 269-5311 or at grant@sptimes.com.
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From the Times |
