Tally Ho!

A little upset, annoyed, frightful or just plain in disbelief that our County Commissioners approved yet another mega subdivision to include 3,700 new living units at what will surely become a builder’s showcase during an upcoming Parade of Homes?

Get used to it!

A year ago, at the Economic Summit meeting of local officials, community leaders and influential business operatives, there was mention that a goal of 10,000 new homes were targeted for growth in Hernando County by year 2025.

Since last April, Hickory Hill, Sunrise and now Lake Hideaway have easily passed through the welcome doors of county development. A quick tally shows figures of 1,750 exquisite homes at the Hickory Hill site; 4,800 homes (plus 75 motel rooms) at sister-site Sunrise; and now Lake Hideaway with 3,700 homes. The simple mathematic equation totals 10,250 builder and real estate broker dreams of profitability.

This figure surpasses the original goal, so I guess on an imaginary grade scale commissioners deserve an A-plus. Poor Commissioner Diane Rowden, the sole dissenter in each case, brings a suggested FCAT score to a poor rating. You can imagine that local politicians would like to boot the lady out of office this November (if she sustains the nomination in the August primaries) and implant a more accommodating yes-man or woman.

The number of acres to be claimed for the three residential subdivisions is roughly 2,550 or a quarter acre of homeowner property.

None of these figures include other developments that had already been given a stamp of approval. Southern Hills may be the poster child of builders’ woes because demand doesn’t accommodate supply.

I foresee other homes to be given consideration in the next two years. There will be a likely rush of land use hearings in anticipation of voter approval of the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative in November 2010 to put the choice of development in the hands of local residents.

So, dear reader, be forewarned that a Master Plan, most likely dictated by Tallahassee politicians, will bring forth an array of new homes sites throughout Hernando County.