Winter Haven Water Department Expansion Approved by City, Criticized by Residents
by James Coulter
A proposed facility for the Winter Haven City Water Department has raised concerns from residents about traffic, noise, and property values.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Nov. 24, Winter Haven city commissioners unanimously approved the second reading of two ordinances that reclassify more than 10 acres east of Buckeye Loop Road to Institutional Future Land Use.
This change clears the way for the development of a municipal water department site. The subject property, currently a citrus grove and pasture, is planned to include a 36,750-square-foot administrative office, a 24,699-square-foot warehouse, and parking areas.
“The amendment to Institutional Future Land Use is consistent with the proposed use of the property as an administrative office and operations area for the City’s Water Department,” wrote Planning Manager Sean Byers. “At this time, there is sufficient water, wastewater, and roadway capacity to support development of the proposed Water Department office and warehouse facility.”
However, the proposal raised concerns from residents who spoke during public comments. Duy Nguyen, who lives in a house across the street from the site, asked how the proposed development would affect the property values of him and his neighbors. He also expressed concerns about potential issues with traffic and noise.
“My concern is that having this site right here in a residential area will negatively impact property values, [and] it will create more noise and traffic,” Nguyen said. ” I feel Winter Haven has a lot of property that will better suit something like this. I do not feel like this is the right spot. I do not feel like this is conforming to the local area.”
Patricia Glasscock likewise raised concerns about traffic and noise. She mentioned how traffic has increased in the area over the past decade, to the point where pulling out of her own driveway proves taxing. She was also concerned about how activity at the site would affect the water quality of her well.
Gary Hubbard, Director of the City Water Department, said the parcel was chosen for its proximity to the service area and that no other city sites meet the project’s needs. He acknowledged residents’ concerns and said the department will try to mitigate impacts.
“We do not have any other parcels that will meet this need other than this,” he insisted. “We tried to put this somewhere else, and I don’t know where else to put it. It is important, and I feel bad for the residents out there who will have to live with this. But stick with us for a while and let us try to mitigate as much as we can and see what happens.”
Hubbard added that most activity will occur early in the day, with operations ending when the facility closes, and that noise will be concentrated inside the main building. He also noted that construction will be set back from homes to reduce visibility and sound. While he could not specify effects on individual wells, he suggested any changes would be beneficial to the surrounding water quality.
Mayor Pro Tem Nathanial Birdsong emphasized the project’s regional importance, saying it will strengthen the water supply for the Greater Winter Haven area: “This project is very important, and it will contribute to the water supply. Water is one of those things; it is not the greatest challenge that this municipality and Polk County will face, but it is right up there. So, this is a major effort that we have been able to implement with the property.”
