Bartow Rejects Massive Housing Development

0:00Here's more Tampa Bay news for March 3rd. Barto City Commissioners have turned down a big housing development called Emily at Barto. The plan called for more than 2,245 homes on rural land east of downtown along Highway 60. They rejected the key approvals like annexation and rezoning after a packed five hour meeting on Monday. Developers pitched it as a smart city expansion with four phases rolling out from 2027 to 2035. They promised two creek crossings over Peace Creek, traffic upgrades on the highway, a 50-foot buffer with landscaping near homes, and even land for a future fire station. Plan is also confirmed there's enough water capacity. Opponents worried about the strain on infrastructure and flood risks in the area. Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer led the charge, saying growth has to mask the city's budget and that this could turn into a separate town draining. Taxpayer money long-term. The vote means the project is dead in its current form.

1:00Despite developers claiming it would bring in $54 million in impact fees. Residents pack the meeting, showing how heated the debate got over the city's future. Developers might tweak the plan and try again later. But for now, Barto draws a line on rapid expansion. We'll keep an eye on any updates. D&N is sponsored by our partner. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening and bed, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.