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Council approves road vacations and surplus parcel sale to advance Villa Del Sol development
Summary
The New Port Richey City Council unanimously approved two linked ordinances to vacate portions of Grand Boulevard and High Street and to convey a small surplus parcel to a developer to enable the Villa Del Sol housing project; the ordinances include development conditions, utility easements, and a five-year reversion clause requiring a certificate of occupancy.
The New Port Richey City Council voted unanimously to approve two ordinances that clear legal and property barriers for the Villa Del Sol housing project.
City staff presented ordinance 2026-23-44 to vacate portions of High Street and Grand Boulevard and ordinance 2026-23-54 to convey a small surplus parcel near the new Fire Station No. 2. The ordinances, presented by Mr. Hall, require the applicant to obtain all properties shown in the approved concept, secure required utility easements or relocate utilities as needed, and obtain site construction permits and a certificate of occupancy for the vacated area. Under a reversion clause, the developer must secure a certificate of occupancy within five years or the vacated property reverts to city ownership.
During public comment Donna Jensen said she opposed closing High Street, arguing that closures would reduce access for east-side residents and could complicate evacuation in flooding. Council members acknowledged those concerns but said the vacation and conveyance were part of a long-planned project and that the developer had agreed to convey title that secures access for Fire Station No. 2. The city attorney noted the trade-off included securing title rather than an easement, improving access for emergency services.
Council members who supported the ordinances said the measures were cleanup steps tied to a previously approved site concept and were necessary to keep the project moving after earlier delays. The council recorded five ayes and no nays on both ordinances.
Effect and next steps: With approval of the vacating and conveyance ordinances, the developer may proceed to finalize replatting and submit construction permit drawings. Staff will continue to ensure required utility plans and easements are completed as part of site plan review. If the developer does not obtain a certificate of occupancy for the vacated area within five years, the property will revert to the city.
