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Planners try to save space for industry
By MELIA BOWIE, Times Staff Writer
As Pasco's residential development flourishes, planners are working to save some space in the county for business parks and manufacturing centers. "There is, we believe, a need to have some industrial land for employment centers," said Sandi Snow, business development manager for the Pasco Economic Development Council. The PEDC came one step closer to its goal this past week when it submitted an amendment to the county's comprehensive plan to allow for industrial growth on two large parcels of land near the interstate and two major state roads. County EDC leaders are seeking a change in designation for the 233-acre Grossenbacher property, located north of State Road 52 and east of Interstate 75 in San Antonio. The switch would allow for light and heavy industrial uses on the land. Also proposed is changing 93 acres of the Starkey family's 2,500-acre Anclote River Ranch for light industrial on the north side of State Road 54. Another 40 acres there already is zoned for light industrial. "So the two pieces would make a nice business parcel," Snow said of the Starkey land. The changes along the key traffic corridors of State Roads 52 and 54 and I-75 would allow for light industrial uses that include any kind of manufacturing from electrical to medical. Also allowed would be heavy industrial, which can range from concrete production to the outside storage of raw materials. Currently, a dozen industrial parks are spread throughout Pasco and there are about 1,500 acres of industrial-zoned land in the county. In contrast, 73,395 acres in the county are zoned residential (as of 2000, the most recent figures available). PEDC leaders say their proposed change to the comprehensive plan is a proactive measure to stockpile industrial sites while the opportunity still exists. "We do have some wonderful business parks now but it is a pre-emptive move in that we need additional land for employment centers," Snow said. PEDC officials anticipate it could be at least six months before the land use proposals are decided by the county. In the meantime, homes continue to sprout up. "There's been so much residential growth," Snow said. "And there is a need to have some land for businesses to relocate." -- Melia Bowie covers business in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6229, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6229. Her e-mail address is bowie@sptimes.com
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