HAINES CITY – More than 300 new rooftops could be coming to Polk County’s third largest city, depending on how the City Commission votes Thursday.
The commission is set to consider the second reading of a rezoning for the Tarpon Bay neighborhood and a resolution approving the plat. The area considered is about 95 acres north of County Road 544 and along the south side of Roe Road.
The plan for the project is for a clubhouse and 363 total units. That includes 315 single-family homes and 48 town homes. Feltrim, the developer, was also responsible for the Balmoral community in the city.
During the first reading in November, a few residents did speak out with concerns regarding traffic issues. They could not be reached by The Ledger for comment.
“Our recommendation is still for approval,” said Mark Bennett, deputy director of development services and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency manager. “The applicant is required to get approval from Polk County for a driveway on County Road 544. Part of that is the applicant has to have a traffic study. The question is whether there is the traffic capacity.”
According to the city, the market value of the project is $110 million. It is estimated to bring in just shy of $415,000 in property tax revenue annually.
“It looks to be a very nice project,” Bennett said. “It should be a great addition to our community and, overall, we think it’s great.”
NEW ROOF FOR FORMER COMPOST FACILITY
The commission is also set to consider replacing the roof of what used to be a compost facility maintained by BCR NuTerra. The roof received significant damage from Hurricane Irma in September.
The staff recommendation is to accept a bid from Philadelphia-based Shelter Structures at about $105,425. Signature Structures, also from Pennsylvania, offered a lower bid at more than $103,000, but did not visit the site.
As a composting facility, the structure was a topic of controversy as a number of nearby residents complained about the fumes emitting from the building. The City Commission voted to suspend composting at the facility in February and to deny further composting in August. The city has planned to find another environmental company to lease the building.
LAWSUIT AGAINST POLICE
The commission will also consider allowing City Attorney Fred Reilly to defend the Haines City Police Department and four of its officers in a federal lawsuit. Jerry Strickland is seeking $1.2 million in damages from the department for defamation, false arrest and violations of the First Amendment and Civil Rights Act.
Strickland claims to have been injured while being transported from Pennsylvania to Florida for a false child custody claim, according to the city. Strickland has requested the trial be held in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
TIME AND PLACE
Thursday’s meeting will begin at City Hall, 620 E. Main St. at 7 p.m. It follows a workshop, which begins at 6 p.m.
Mike Ferguson can be reached at Mike.Ferguson@theledger.com or 863-401-6981. Follow Mike on Twitter@MikeWFerguson.