Commercial Development Near Neighborhoods Topic Of County Survey

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Should commercial and other non-residential activities be allowed near neighborhoods?

If so, how close?

Hillsborough's City-County Planning Commission wants residents' thoughts on locating stores and other non-residential development near people's homes in unincorporated Hillsborough County.

Changing demands have spurred discussion of reworking the county's comprehensive plan to accommodate such uses in residential areas. The plan is a framework for how land can be used.

The survey asks questions such as, "Would you prefer to walk or drive to your local corner store?" And: "Should apartments be permitted above your neighborhood coffee shop?"

Residents can weigh in on the Community Idea Wall, posting thoughts, leaving comments and uploading photographs. They also can see other residents' comments and join discussions.

A virtual community meeting will be held to consider recommendations based on comments received.

Meanwhile, Planning Commission staff members will come to your neighborhood meetings to provide more information on the study and listen to your ideas. Email Andrea Papandrew if you would like a staff member to attend an upcoming meeting.