Homeowner group urges mitigation as commission approves Morris Bridge Road development agreement
Loading...
Summary
A developer‑led agreement to widen Morris Bridge Road to four lanes and add a roundabout was recommended by the Planning Commission after public comments from a nearby homeowners association that raised traffic, noise, and safety concerns related to a planned Walmart. Staff advised residents to review the Walmart site plan and offered to circulate traffic studies.
Robert Irving of Pasco County planning staff presented PDE260110, a development agreement to widen Morris Bridge Road to four lanes with proposed roundabout elements and an ultimate right‑of‑way of about 124 feet for the corridor segment. The agreement pairs developer‑funded site access improvements with county investments in the roadway; staff recommended the commission find the DA consistent with the comprehensive plan and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners.
Serrano Colbert, president of the River Landing Townhomes homeowners association, told the commission he represents about 250 townhomes adjacent to the proposed improvements and raised concerns about increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, noise and the impact of a proposed Walmart. "We're not against development, but we do have concerns about the impact it's gonna have on our community," Colbert said, asking whether the commission could assist in negotiations with the Walmart applicant and requesting consideration of sound barriers.
Commissioners and staff advised Colbert to obtain the Walmart site plan and to share contact details with county staff so planners could send any submitted materials; staff said site‑plan review and developer discussions were the appropriate avenue for mitigation and that the county could provide copies of any applications on file. William Vermillion confirmed that traffic studies had been completed for related projects and that revised studies covering the broader area are on file.
Applicant representative Barbara Wilhite said the developer had worked with adjacent property owners to address Wells Road construction and access concerns and told the commission the parties had "worked out everything" in discussions with county engineering.
Following discussion, a motion to approve the PCA development agreement was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said they would provide requested traffic‑study materials to residents who asked for them.
