Commissioners continue decision on proposed VA community living center in Seffner to June 12

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County commissioners on Thursday voted to continue until June 12 a proposed comprehensive-plan amendment and companion rezoning that would add a development option for a 200,000-square-foot U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center on a 14.47-acre parcel at 1005 North Kingsway Road in Seffner.

The applicant asked the board to amend the county future land-use designation from Residential 4 to Community Mixed Use 12 and to allow a companion planned-development modification that would add a second option for a Veterans Administration CLC. Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, told commissioners the rezoning would “add the option” of the VA facility while preserving an existing entitlement for 156,816 square feet of commercial uses.

The proposal divided reviewers. Planning Commission staff, represented by Alexis Myers, recommended that HCCPA 23-09 be found inconsistent with the county comprehensive plan, citing policies on transitions in density and compatibility with the Seffner Mango community plan. Development services staff and zoning reviewers recommended approval of the rezoning as compatible with the commercial corridor along U.S. 92 and able to meet buffering and setback requirements; the zoning hearing officer likewise weighed in with a recommendation that differed from the Planning Commission.

The public hearing drew backers who said a VA CLC would serve veterans locally and generate fewer vehicle trips than some commercial options. Tom Fletcher, a representative of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, said the VA’s plan “would create another very special home for ailing and aging veterans in our community,” and told the board that “the budget package for this project was released to several congressional committees for their review and consideration,” a step he described as progress.

Opponents — including several nearby residents and community members — said the requested change would allow denser, more intensive development than appropriate near single-family neighborhoods, asked for proof of VA commitment to this parcel, and raised concerns about building heights, traffic and stormwater impacts. Grace McComas, identifying herself as a resident of Zephyrhills, said she was “opposed to CPA 23-09 and the zoning 24-11-10 request,” and criticized the scale and potential height of the proposed facility relative to adjacent single-family lots.

During discussion, several commissioners said they wanted more clarity on the federal site-selection process and whether a VA commitment was firm; Commissioner Miller noted the federal funding and bidding process remained unsettled. Commissioner Wostel moved to continue both the comprehensive-plan amendment and the rezoning to the board’s June 12 public hearing; the motion passed unanimously for both items (continuances recorded as 7–0). The board did not take a final vote on either the plan amendment or the rezoning.

What happens next: The items will return to the board on June 12. If the board later approves the comprehensive-plan change, any subsequent development would still require review and approval of plan-development details and building permits that must meet county development standards and any conditions the board imposes.

Votes at a glance: The board voted to continue HCCPA 23-09 and RZ 24-11-10 to the June 12 hearing; the continuance motions carried, 7–0.