Council approves first reading for Springside Crossing rezoning after lengthy public debate

The Brooksville City Council approved on first reading an ordinance (Ordinance No. 984) to rezone roughly 462.3 acres in the Southern Hills/Cascades area into a single planned development, branded by the applicant as "Springside Crossing," after more than three hours of testimony, technical presentation and public comment.

City planning director David Hainley had qualified as an expert witness and staff recommended the rezoning as consistent with the city comprehensive plan; the ordinance passed on first reading by a 4‑1 roll call vote. The rezoning folds a recently annexed 49‑acre tract on U.S. 41 into the remaining phases of the Cascades master plan, lowers the previously requested unit count and adds public‑facing commitments by the developer.

Why it matters: The approved zoning determines what type of housing and infrastructure can be built and where traffic and stormwater impacts will be concentrated. Residents who live along Powell Road and nearby agricultural parcels raised concerns that development could change historical drainage patterns and increase flood risk to properties…