Hernando County approves Hickory Hill development

By DAN DEWITT, Times Staff Writer

BROOKSVILLE –- The Hernando County Commission approved the Hickory Hill development Thursday by a 4-1 margain, with Commissioner Diane Rowden casting the only opposing vote.

The developer, Sierra Properties of Tampa, had asked for a comprehensive plan amendment to allow it to build the development, with 1,750 houses and three golf courses, on a 2,800 acre ranch in Spring Lake. It now needs only the approval of the state Department of Community affairs before the amendment is final.

It passed with the votes of Commissioner Rose Rocco, who had run on a platform of controlling growth and had previously said she thought Hickory Hill was "premature" for the area. At Thursday's meeting, she said she voted in favor because the project "raised the bar" for development in the county and would improve the community.

Commissioner Chris Kingsley, who voted against sending the amendment request to the state last year, also said he was impressed by the high quality of the development.

He agreed with the argument, repeated frequently during the 12-hour meeting, that development would eventually come to the area. He pointed to a map showing planned development districts lying to east of the site, as well as to the south, in northern Pasco County.

"When you look at this," Kinglsey said, "it's glaringly saying something is going to happen here."