Winter Haven Commission Approves Changes to Zoning and Future Land Use of +46 Acres along Thompson Nursery Road
by James Coulter
Despite concerns from residents, Winter Haven city commissioners approved changes to the zoning and future land use of property near Thompson Nursery Road.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Dec. 9, commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of two ordinances about property located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Thompson Nursery Road and Cunningham Road. Pro Tem Mayor Brian Yates made the only nay vote.
The first ordinance would change the property’s future land use to Neighborhood Support, while the second would change its zoning to Commercial Highway.
The 46-acre property is split into two sections: an open tract north of Thompson Nursery Road, slated for Villamar Phase 7, and a southern parcel with 219 single-family homes originally planned for Villamar Phase 8.
The property owners, VMAR DEV, LLC and Cunningham Investors, petitioned for the changes to allow commercial development on the site, as up to 503,118 square feet of commercial space could be built there.
Moreover, the site is well-positioned for commercial use with its location on Thompson Nursery Road (soon to be a key arterial route linking Highway 27 with Highways 17 and 540) and at the intersection of Cunningham Road (a collector road connecting to County Road 653).
John Bannon, Vice President of Woods & Associates Engineering, mentioned that now was the “only opportunity” to have commercial at that intersection. When asked if there were any current plans for the property, he claimed no specific plans had been made.
Several residents disputed the proposed changes. Ken Henry, representing the Regional Community Council, mentioned that the main concern was with “commercial development plopped down in the middle of the residential district”—a concern unheard at a previous planning commission.
“They felt ignored,” he said of residents who attended thatmeeting. “They were concerned that, despite the concerns raised, there was no concern for those folks’ concerns…They felt like it was more in the interest of the developer being taken care of more than the citizens.”
David Koszewki, Terranova HOA president, mentioned how many other residents had complaints about dust from water trucks traveling along the road. He claimed the proposed development would further exacerbate traffic conditions.
“I am not against what you are trying to do, but at this point and time, to say ‘yes’ and go ahead with this is a mistake because there is no way the infrastructure is ready for this,” he said.
Linda Groome Fife, Traditions HOA vice president, contested the alleged need for commercial development along the road, as currently there are 13 similar developments at the intersection of Ruby and Thompson.
“The idea of the residents [traveling] a great deal for grocery stores is nonsense,” she said.
