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Aston Strawberry seeks expanded farmworker housing; county staff recommends approval
Summary
Aston Strawberry Property Management requested special‑use approval to expand farmworker housing on a Hillsborough County strawberry and vegetable farm. County staff and planning commission staff found the plan consistent with code and adequate services; no opposition was recorded.
Aston Strawberry Property Management LLC presented a special‑use application on Feb. 24 to expand farmworker housing for an established strawberry, blueberry and watermelon farming operation near Wimauma.
Applicant representative Chris McNeil (McNeil Engineering) said the parcel adjoins a 530‑acre farm and an existing warehouse; the applicant previously had approval for 50 units and is seeking to increase total housing to 120 units (50 existing plus 70 additional). McNeil told the hearing the compound would serve seasonal H‑2A and other agricultural workers and that transportation and services are managed internally by the farm (bussing to fields and medical or retail appointments as needed).
Development Services staff (Sam Ball) said the farmworker housing compound covers about 25.7 acres and is subject to LDC Section 611.39.gs, which requires special‑use review for farmworker housing in the Suburban Future Land Use category. Staff found the proposed plan would mitigate impacts, is compatible with surrounding zoning and development patterns, and that the school‑board adequacy review returned with adequate capacity. Planning Commission staff (Alexis Myers) also found the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan.
No one testified in opposition on the record. The hearing officer closed the public hearing; she will file a written decision within 15 business days. The staff‑recommended conditions will be recorded in the case file if the special use is granted.
