Another Increase in Impact Fees on New Homes in Pasco County?

The cost of new homes in Pasco County may increase with another possible increase in impact fees. This time, the proposed increase in impact fees is being considered by Pasco County Schools and could increase from $4356.00 to $10,477.00 per new home.* Other increases in impact fees on new homes have already been approved. There's little doubt about it, the cost of new homes in Pasco will be higher. These increases are typically passed on to new home buyers by the builders.

*Source: Chuin-Wei Yap--St. Pete Times

A facelift for Tampa Palms

The prestigious New Tampa Community may be getting a face lift. Emily Nipps recently reported that Tampa Palms is going to host a community planning workshop on August 4th, 2007 with the intent of seeking resident suggestions for improvements to the community.

Under consideration are upgrades to the community center and entrance signs as well as new interactive fountains.

With newer communities in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas such as Grand Hampton and Seven Oaks, Tampa Palms is considering a possible multi-million dollar upgrade to this respected community, without raising CDD fees. Residents of Tampa Palms in areas I and II are encouraged to participate.

Meadow Pointe I, II, III, and IV....Reciprocal Agreements?

The reciprocal agreement issues among Meadow Pointe's four areas continue. Today I inquired with a MP III CDD rep. and was told that reciprocal agreements are in place for MP I, III, and IV.

This would mean that only MP II does not have reciprocal agreements in place.

As I understand it, the real bone of contention is MP II's position maintaining that its fitness center is exclusive to MP II residents.

I was told that the next CDD meeting for MP II will be August 15th. If you are a MP II resident and would like to address this issue with your representatives, I suggest you contact them to verify the date and time of the meeting.

Inasmuch as the four tribes of this community seem unable to resolve their differences over reciprocal use of amenities, it might be advisable to invite Jimmy Carter or Henry Kissinger!

Tampa Palms Construction Update

The rec center/skate park in Tampa Palms is progressing. It was supposed to be open later this year, but I have no update on an opening date. See Photo below:

Market Square construction continues:

Tuscany in Tampa Palms residential construction: I noticed two homes under construction:

Construction begins on Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse

Apparently they have started earthwork for the construction of the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse. Located on Meadow Pointe Boulevard not far from the new Double Branch Elementary School which is scheduled to open next month.

Shoppes at Meadow Pointe

I noticed that they have started construction (earth moving) of the Shoppes at Meadow Pointe in Wesley Chapel recently. The location is on Bruce B. Downs at the secondary entrance to Meadow Pointe.

The New Wesley Chapel District Park Opened This Week

Phase I of the new Wesley Chapel District Park, located on Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, FL opened this week. The 120 acre park offers 10 ball fields, basketball courts, four tennis courts, and a playground.

For a Virtual Tour of the new park, click on the photo below which also has music!

Wiregrass Ranch Development APPROVED!

Today the Pasco County Commissioners finally gave approval for the Wiregrass Ranch development.

Phase I of this ginormous 5,000 acre community will consist of 6,000 single family homes and 4,000 multi-family homes, in addition to retail development At issue was the mitigation on proportionate share credits for the developer. Commissioner Cox clearly pointed out his concerns over setting a new precedent due to the “uniqueness” of this mega-community and its future cost to Pasco County taxpayers.

Included in the plan is the extension of State Road 56 from Bruce B. Downs to Meadow Pointe Boulevard, with 6 six lanes from BBD to Porter Road and four lanes from Porter Road to Meadow Pointe Boulevard. Construction of the extension of S.R. 56 is to begin no later than January, 2008 with completion within 18 months.

Wiregrass Hearing Tomorrow

Once again The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners will have a hearing regarding the application by the developers of the planned Wiregrass project tomorrow. The meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. If you want to contact your county commissioner regarding how you think he/she should vote, go to the Pasco County Government's website: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/ . From there you can e-mail your commissioner.

Approval of Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel Delayed Once Again!

Once again a decision by the county on the approval of the ginormous 5,000 acre planned community of Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, Florida was delayed. Commissioners will revisit this in their meeting next week. The sticking point continues to be which roads should be included in the developer's proportionate share.

On another more positive note, the Pasco County Planning Board approved the rezoning necessary for the construction of the Shops at Wiregrass. Now, this must be approved by the county Board of Commissioners.

Wesley Chapel Hospital

The Adventist Health System and University Community Hospital plan to build a new hospital across from Saddlebrook resort on State Road 54 was shot down this week unanimously by Pasco commissioners. The land use change was denied as the commissioners feel that another location would be more appropriate.

As expected, the competitors of this planned hospital have also filed a petition seeking to reverse a decision made in their application for a certificate of need with the State, previously denying them the opportunity to build a new hospital in Wesley Chapel.

Wiregrass Planning Commission Hearing

The Pasco County Planning Commission hearing on Wiregrass will be held on July 11, 2007. Among the staff recommendations for "approval with conditions" to the planning commission are:

1. State Road 56 extension shall be six lanes from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) to Porter Boulevard and four lanes from Porter to Meadow Pointe Boulevard.
2. Improvements shall be constructed to the BBD and S.R. 56 intersection to include three through lanes, triple left turn lanes, and exclusive right turn lanes in all directions.

Shoppes of Wesley Chapel breaks ground!

Sure, we all have been preoccupied with the large planned malls in the works: Cypress Creek Town Center, Shops at Wiregrass, and The Grove, in Wesley Chapel. Another mall has recently broken ground in Wesley Chapel: The Shoppes of Wesley Chapel, located north of S.R. 56 on Bruce B. Downs will offer 42,000 square feet of retail space and is located across from the future Wiregrass Community. It has a planned opening of later this year.

Johnny Carinos in Wesley Chapel Closes and will be Up The Creek

In a somewhat surprising development, the popular Johnny Carinos in Wesley Chapel has closed. The restaurant will convert to an Up The Creek Fish Camp and Grill later this year. For those of you who don't want to wait, Up The Creek also has recently opened up at S.R. 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.