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Commissioners declare old DPW site surplus, order public workshop after South Brooksville opposition
Summary
After extensive public comment from South Brooksville residents who raised traffic, soil contamination and community‑engagement concerns, the BOCC declared the county‑owned DPW parcel surplus and directed staff to hold a public workshop and targeted outreach before acting on a proposed long‑term ground lease to the Community Food Bank (RISE Center).
The Hernando County Board voted Sept. 9 to declare the county‑owned ‘‘old DPW’’ property on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard surplus and to delay final action on a proposed 30‑year ground lease with the Community Food Bank of Citrus County until staff completes a community workshop and targeted outreach.
The item drew lengthy public comment. Residents and community leaders — including Connie Green, Angelina Flanders and Rev. Clarence Green — said they were not consulted, questioned soil remediation and raised traffic and public‑health concerns. “How is a food bank an investment designed to attract profit?” asked Angelina Flanders, urging the board to hold an impact study. Several speakers said the site had been a historic focus of community planning for a community center and called for alternative locations.
Scott Herring, public works director, told the commission the site has been remediated and that the Department of Environmental Protection has approved reuse with conditions; staff also noted prior ARPA funding had been authorized to assist a local food‑bank project. Community Food Bank CEO Barbara Sprague said the RISE Center is intended as an empowerment center with food distribution, workforce and wraparound services; she said the organization had backing from residents countywide and pointed to high local food insecurity.
Commissioners balanced the community’s stated need for services against neighborhood objections and tax‑roll concerns. The board voted 5–0 to declare the parcel surplus, then approved a separate motion (5–0) to continue lease consideration only after a public information workshop, direct mail to property owners in the CRA boundary, grassroots outreach through churches and a site notice. Staff will return with the workshop schedule and a report to the commission.
