Residents press commission over 1,440‑home South Brooksville proposal; public hearing continued to Sept. 11

The City of Brooksville Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 14 heard sustained public opposition to a proposed rezoning covering about 462.3 acres on the south side of Southern Hills Boulevard and north of Powell Road, and voted to continue the public hearing to Sept. 11 so the applicant can appear and respond.

Mike McCaffrey, who gave his address on Powell Road, said the development’s scale has expanded from an earlier plan of about 960 homes to roughly 1,440. He told the commission the construction entrance could be ‘‘right across from our driveway,’’ and said the narrow two‑lane stretch of Powell Road already sees frequent crashes, severe flooding and heavy use by cyclists and joggers. ‘‘There’s inadequate water retention on Powell now that floods severely,’’ McCaffrey said, adding that heavy dump trucks would worsen road damage and noise.

Neighbor Wanda Diaz said she moved from Tampa for a quieter life and warned that more homes would change the area’s character: ‘‘It’s a 2 lane road and it is used by bikers…people moving to Brooksville is just a crazy idea.’’ Elsa Wood, another nearby owner, said she supports some development but warned that removing trees and wildlife and adding sewage loads would harm the area; ‘‘We will not allow equipment,’’ she said, and urged meetings with the developer on lighting and buffers.

Staff read the ordinance description for Ordinance 984, which seeks a zoning map amendment to a planned‑development mixed‑use classification; the applicant was not present. With the applicant absent, commissioners agreed to continue the public hearing so the applicant can respond in person and so residents who testified can return. The chair said those who testified should come back on Sept. 11 to provide their testimony again.

The continuance does not constitute a decision on the rezoning application; under Florida law the commission’s role is quasi‑judicial and its recommendation will be based on the record and applicable comprehensive‑plan and zoning criteria. The hearing will resume on Sept. 11 at the time announced by the city; the commission asked staff to ensure the applicant appears and that notice be provided to prior speakers.