By Michael D. Bates of Hernando Today, Published: Jul 6, 2006
BROOKSVILLE — A Tampa developer has submitted an application to the county to build 3,700 homes in northern Hernando County.
Lake Hideaway, more than twice the size of the proposed Hickory Hill on the east side, would have 2,400 single-family homes and 1,300 "multifamily units," which will be a mix of two-story townhouses and apartments.
The project is considered a 'development of regional impact' (DRI) because it has more than 1,000 homes. As such, Metro Development Group will be required to meet more stringent infrastructure and other land use requirements.
The application sets aside 180,000 square feet for neighborhood commercial use, 20,000 square feet for office space, 20 acres for a park and 30 acres for a future school site. Another five acres is planned for a possible fire or police station and satellite government offices.
Lake Hideaway would wrap around Whitehurst Pond, which was once a popular spot for mud-boggers. The developer is planning to enhance the pond to make it more of a focal point for the community.
The eastern boundary of the property would be Weeping Willow Street, which could be extended to Hexam.
The owners of the property are Thomas Bronson and Lake Hideaway Trust.
Chief Planner Jerry Greif said the application for Lake Hideaway is about eight inches thick, demonstrating the enormity of the development. Because it is a DRI, Metro will have to address numerous concerns, especially relating to roads in that area.
The zoning request will eventually go before planning and zoning commissioners, who will make a recommendation to the county board.
"Everybody knew it (development in that area) was coming," said Don Lacey, senior vice president of Coastal Engineering, consulting engineer for the project. "It's coming now."
Unlike Hickory Hill, Lake Hideaway will not require an amendment to the county's comprehensive plan. There will be no golf courses and the density will be more compact. The prices will also be more affordable.
It will look more like a community found on the west side of the county, Lacey said.
The acreage is currently not zoned but is designated residential on the county's comprehensive plan.
Because it is a DRI, the project will have to be reviewed not only by the county but also by the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council. Lacey anticipates public hearings on the project to begin late this year or early next year.
The community is probably more akin to the Seville community, located even farther north on U.S. 19, close to the Citrus County line.
Homes at Lake Hideaway will start at $150,000 and sell beyond $300,000, said Dan Santos, division manager for Metro Development Group.
"We think there's a market for lower-end price points," said Santos, who estimates the entire development will cost around $200 million.
Lake Hideaway is the third DRI under review by the county.
Hickory Hill would have 1,750 homes on 2,800 acres in the Spring Lake area. The project would border Lockhart Road and Baseball Pond Road on the east and west, respectively, Old Trilby road on the south and Church and Myers roads to the north. Hickory Hill Road and Interstate 75 run through the property.
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