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Library offers patrons a fresh look
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
It’s not a brand new library — but it sure looks and feels like one. The New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, has reopened its doors after a massive overhaul that took longer than expected because of COVID-19 and material delays.
The library officially reopened on April 30, but work is not completely finished yet on the outdoor garden spaces, and library staff is still awaiting the arrival of some furniture and materials. Still, there’s an air of excitement as staff prepares to offer library patrons a more comfortable place to read, meet and take advantage of programming. Most of the activities won’t kick into
high gear until later this year, as the library continues to offer the vast majority of programming remotely. Still, staff is eager for patrons to come in and take a look around. “People are welcome to come in and they’re welcome to take our nickel tour, what we call a Sneak Preview,” said Angelo See LIBRARY, page 9A
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B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
There’s a new drive-thru book drop behind the New River Branch Library, giving patrons a chance to drop off books from the convenience of their car.
This is the library's new children's room. It offers comfortable seating, room to play, computers and a view, too.
‘Unique subdivision’ meets resistance By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The idea of creating a subdivision in Land O’ Lakes for catastrophically injured veterans, and surviving families of fallen first responders and for Gold Star families has broad appeal — but even with the popularity of the cause, a proposed rezoning for the project is meeting resistance. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has proposed the first neighborhood in the nation specifically designed to serve its recipients be located on about 75 acres, on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about one-half mile east of Ehren Cutoff. The site is between the Panther Run and Dupree Lakes subdivisions. The foundation was established 20 years ago by Frank Siller, to honor the sacrifice of his brother, Stephen Siller, a firefighter who laid down his life to save others on Sept. 11, 2001. Matt Mahoney, executive vice president of the foundation, explained the concept of the project — via a remote feed during an April 22 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission meeting. “Our recipients are all gifted these homes. These are mortgage-free homes,” Mahoney said. “We have the financial wherewithal to do this. The land was donated to us,” Mahoney said.“We’re in a strong financial situation to move forward with this project.” The foundation has a solid track record, said Cyndi Tarapani, a professional planner representing the applicant. But residents in the adjacent Panther Run neighborhood and members of the Pasco County Planning Commission raised objections to the proposal. Those concerns initially were aired during the April 22 meeting, which was continued until May, to give the applicant time to respond to the concerns. At the May 20 planning board meeting, the issues were much the same. Would-be neighbor Tim Robinson, of 6444 Paw Place, put it like this “I can’t say enough how much I like what Tunnels to
Towers is doing for our servicemen and women and our first responders, a very admirable endeavor. “My main issue is compatibility,” Robinson said.“We would have a bunch of homes butting right up to half-acre lots and I really don’t feel that is compatible at all.” Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi also expressed concerns about compatibility. David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, told planning board members that the request seeks an R-4 zoning district, a Euclidean zoning that allows up to four houses per acre.The county cannot attach conditions to Euclidean zoning requests, Goldstein said. Instead, the county can ask the applicant to voluntarily add deed restrictions. The planning board asked the foundation to place larger lots on land next to the adjacent Panther Run lots. It also asked for one-story homes to be built there, to address privacy concerns. Planning commissioners also wanted to guarantee that the land would be used by the foundation’s program beneficiaries. At the May 20 meeting,Tarapani said the foundation has agreed to deed restrictions that call for fewer lots and larger lots, with one-story homes along the edge of the neighborhood adjacent to Panther Run. However, she said her client would not agree to ownership restrictions. Without that restriction, there is no guarantee that the foundation won’t sell the land to another developer, Goldstein said. Panther Run neighbors reiterated their objections. Shelby Carrero, of 6448 Paw Place, told the planning board: “After reviewing the deed restriction, I am disheartened to say the least, that our valid concerns we have expressed several times have not been taken into consideration by the applicant. “The fact the applicant has ignored its future Pasco County neighbors, as well as the Pasco County Planning Commission, should speak volumes as to what their plan was this entire time. “They have refused to put in their deed See SUBDIVISION, page 9A
FILE
The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike.
Residents back Zephyrhills golf course By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course remains up in air, as city leaders continue to ponder the possible sale of the property for a Florida Army National Guard Armory. In recent weeks, the National Guard has been scouting the 65-acre golf property situated on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. This development comes as state lawmakers approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the military organization, for future training grounds in Zephyrhills. But area residents have come out swinging in support of the 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., in Zephyrhills. Avid golfers and course workers alike voiced the need to keep the outdoor recreational amenity intact, during a public See GOLF, page 9A