Hillsborough commissioners continue vote on potential VA Community Living Center, set June 12 hearing

Hillsborough County commissioners on Thursday agreed to continue action on a proposed comprehensive plan map amendment and companion rezoning that would add an option for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center (CLC) at 1005 North Kingsway Road.

Planning staff described HCCPA 2309 as a privately initiated small‑scale map amendment to change 14.47 acres from Residential 4 to Community Mixed Use 12. Planning staff recommended the amendment be found inconsistent with the county comprehensive plan, citing policies on gradual transitions of density and compatibility; the planning commission had recommended denial.

Applicant Todd Pressman told the board the amendment merely adds “a second option for the Veterans Administration living facility,” capped at 200,000 square feet while retaining an existing entitlement for 156,000 square feet of commercial uses. He argued the VA option would generate far fewer vehicle trips than some large commercial uses and would be more compatible with adjacent school and residential uses.

Members of veterans groups spoke in favor. Tom Fletcher of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County said a CLC provides “home‑like” skilled nursing and family‑friendly visiting spaces for aging veterans. Michael O’Dell, representing Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans, said proximity to medical services and reduced transportation needs make the location appropriate.

Opponents urged caution. Grace Macombus said she was “opposed to CPA 2309 and the zoning 24‑11‑10 request,” citing concerns about increased density, a proposed 50‑foot building height adjacent to single‑family lots, and a lack of documentation verifying the VA’s commitment. Michelle Van Loan and others raised traffic, scale and compatibility concerns and noted the planning commission had found the amendment inconsistent.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on entitlements and the timing of any federal decision. Commissioner Wolstel and others noted that existing approvals already allow roughly 156,000 square feet on the property and asked what would happen if the VA bid failed. Staff and the applicant said the rezoning would maintain two options and that the comp plan change would enable consideration of greater densities subject to later review.

After debate, Commissioner Wolstel moved and Commissioner Cohen seconded to continue both CPA 2309 and the companion rezoning RZ 20‑4‑1110 to the June 12, 2025 hearing. The motion carried 7–0. No formal adoption or rezoning vote was taken Thursday.

Next step: the board will revisit HCCPA 2309 and the associated rezoning at the June 12 public hearing; staff and the applicant were asked to provide any additional information about the VA site selection process and documentation of federal interest.