Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Active Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners press developer and staff on multi‑use trail alignment for Riverstone/Rener agreement
Summary
Board discussion over Riverstone/Rener (KB Homes) development agreements focused on whether a 12‑ft multi‑use trail will be built in phase one versus deferred, whether right‑of‑way is preserved to continue the trail west, and how the trail ties to existing sidewalks. Staff and the applicant said the path will be built to the project's entrance and right‑of‑way has been dedicated for future connections.
The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners spent extended time questioning staff and the applicant about multi‑use trail alignment and right‑of‑way in connection with development agreement amendments for Riverstone/Rener (KB Homes).
Amy Tall of Planning, Development and Economic Growth introduced the development agreement amendments that would allow a developer to receive certificates of occupancy for some homes prior to completion of all road improvements and clarified which exhibits and segments applied to different roadway sections. William Vermillion (Planning, Development and Economic Growth) described the roadway typical sections.
Commissioners pressed for clarity about whether a 12‑foot multi‑use path would be built as part of the Kefir Road segment or deferred to later phases. A commissioner asked, "Why are we going to come in and tear up a sidewalk? Why aren't we putting a multi‑use path down one side? There's plenty of room." Vermillion and the applicant's representative agreed the Kefir segment would include multi‑use facilities in the portion the developer is required to construct.
Shelley Johnson, who identified herself and said she had been sworn in for testimony, told the board the county already has permits and that "the design has been approved" and that the county is the applicant for a 404 permit required for the improvement project. She urged clarity on the western termination and connection of the path.
Assistant Administrator David Allen summarized staff's clarification: the applicant agreed to build the multi‑use path all the way to the project's entrance, and right‑of‑way has been dedicated so future adjacent development or county projects can complete the westward connection. Allen said some gaps exist beyond the CSX railroad that will require future development or county investment to finish the route.
The board discussed whether the improvements were required by earlier agreements or arose from off‑site infrastructure commitments. Commissioners asked for clearer map exhibits and for staff to confirm that right‑of‑way was preserved across the corridor; staff committed to providing clearer GIS exhibits and to verify the dedication and timing.
Outcome: after the exchange and staff clarifications, the board moved to approve the consent items except for the item pulled for discussion; the development agreement amendment at issue was handled with the applicant's commitments recorded in the public record.
Why it matters: the dispute affects active transportation connections for new neighborhoods, potential cost exposures for future developers or the county, and pedestrian/cyclist safety where a path may need to cross busy roadways or be built in phases.
Next steps: staff to provide clearer maps/exhibits and confirm recorded right‑of‑way and construction commitments as part of the development agreement documentation.
