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Planning commission denies rezoning for Powell Road townhomes after heavy public opposition
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–0 to deny rezoning petition H2438, a proposal for 74 fee-simple townhomes on about 20 acres along Powell Road (14 parcels). Residents raised traffic, drainage and covenant concerns; petitioner Don Lacey said the plan would improve local access and add right‑of‑way for Powell Road.
The Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission denied rezoning petition H2438, a request to rezone approximately 20 acres along Powell Road for a 74-unit townhome project, by a 5–0 vote after more than an hour of testimony and robust public comment.
Planning staff summarized the petition as an AR‑2 (Agricultural Residential) to Planned Development request for 74 fee‑simple townhomes on 14 parcels. The petitioner’s representative, Don Lacey of Coastal Engineering, told the commission the project would convert undersized, pre‑platted ‘‘paper’’ lots to a unified planned development, construct local roads to county standards, provide additional right‑of‑way for a future Powell Road widening and add a proposed roadway (Corral Road) to improve access for Oakwood Estates residents.
More than two dozen residents and homeowners’ association representatives spoke against the rezoning during public comment. Concerns heard repeatedly included the project’s density relative to surrounding 2.5‑acre and 1‑acre lots, traffic and safety on Powell Road and Gloucester Road, potential flooding and drainage impacts on adjacent properties and claims that deed restrictions (HOA covenants) had been promised to property buyers and would be violated by townhomes. Speakers included Gloucester Road homeowners and presidents or spokespeople for Oakwood Estates and Oakwood Acres.
Planning commissioners voiced shared concerns about compatibility and transitions between the proposed multifamily product and the surrounding low‑density, agricultural and single‑family neighborhoods. Commissioner Nick Holmes said he was “already not in favor” after hearing the public comment and commissioners repeatedly described the project as out of scale for the area. A motion to deny the application carried 5–0 (mover: Nick Holmes; second: Justin Noe).
Petitioner remarks and next steps Don Lacey said the applicant had attempted planning measures — road connections, right‑of‑way dedications, buffers and a proposed pedestrian connection to nearby schools — that he argued would mitigate the project’s impacts, and said the proposal was consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. He also noted private HOA covenants are civil matters and not enforceable by the county in land‑use decisions.
The commission’s denial is a recommendation; the item will advance for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners on April 3. Residents were told they may also pursue private remedies related to HOA agreements if they believe covenants were violated.
Key facts • Petition: H2438 (rezoning, applicant Joshua Whitney) • Location: Powell Road area, parcels shown in staff map (14 parcels, ~20 acres) • Proposal: 74 fee‑simple townhomes, PDP with deviations (setbacks, lot sizes, lot coverage discussed in staff report) • Commission action: Denied by motion (Nick Holmes), second (Justin Noe); vote 5–0.
Quote “We tried to do as much as we could,” said Don Lacey of Coastal Engineering, describing proposed improvements. “We would cure the multiple entrances that are already platted and work with the county engineer.”
