Hillsborough County Commission Votes Against Rezoning Pebble Creek Golf Club
The county commissioners voted 5-2 Tuesday morning to oppose a plan that would have reclaimed the golf course as residential property.
TAMPA, Florida. Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa will remain zoned as a golf course or open space. The Hillsborough County Commissioners’ decision followed months of debate that divided the Pebble Creek community.
The leaders voted 5-2 on Tuesday.
Property owner and development partner, GL Homes, has been working to convert a golf course that has been closed for two years into residential use. They planned to build over 250 single-family homes on this rezoned land.
Now it looks like they need to reconsider those plans.
“GL Homes is, of course, disappointed with today’s decision. At this point, we need to re-evaluate our golf course redevelopment plans, as well as our legal options,” GL Homes spokeswoman Beth Latham said in a statement. “As always, we will continue to work closely and transparently with the people of Pebble Creek and look forward to a positive and peaceful resolution to this matter.”
Ken Hagan, Chairman of the Board and District 2 Representative, represents Pebble Creek and opposes the rezoning. Hagan said he thought the commissioners heard more Pebble Creek residents who opposed the rezoning than those who supported it.
Hagan also said that the plan would significantly change the nature of the land, to which the residents agreed.
Joshua Vostal (District 7, District) and Harry Cohen (District 1) were the only ones who supported the rezoning. Vostal expressed concern that it would be a “short-term win today, but a long-term loss in the future”, citing undesirable alternatives, including that the land would eventually be used for affordable housing under the new “Life Law”. at the local level.” Cohen echoed Vestal’s concerns.
