Residents urge Pasco County planners to halt zoning changes amid safety concerns

In a heated session at the Pasco County Planning Commission meeting, residents voiced urgent concerns over rapid development and its impact on community safety and resources. As the county approaches a population of 700,000, the call for a more measured approach to growth has never been more pressing.

One resident, sharing personal experiences of serious accidents, highlighted the dangers posed by increasing traffic on narrow roads like Allen Road and Chancey Road. “I have witnessed accidents everywhere I go,” she stated, emphasizing the need for the commission to consider the safety of residents before approving new developments. Her plea was underscored by her own near-fatal experiences, which she attributed to the growing congestion and lack of adequate infrastructure.

The discussion centered around a proposed zoning change from residential to commercial on Pierwater Way, a move that many residents fear will exacerbate traffic issues. “We do not have the resources,” the resident lamented, pointing out the inadequacies of local wastewater treatment facilities and emergency services. She recounted a personal story of her husband’s heart attack, illustrating the dire consequences of understaffed emergency services in the face of increasing population density.

Residents expressed a strong preference for maintaining residential zoning, arguing that the addition of commercial properties could lead to even more traffic and safety hazards. “I would much rather see homes go up,” one resident remarked, reflecting a common sentiment among those present. The meeting revealed a palpable frustration with the planning process, as many felt their voices were not being heard by decision-makers.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the residents' concerns lingered in the air. With fatalities on the rise and infrastructure struggling to keep pace with growth, the call for a more thoughtful approach to development in Pasco County is clear. The commission faces the challenge of balancing growth with the safety and well-being of its residents, a task that will require careful consideration and community engagement in the months to come.