Community Turnout Needed - Zoning Hearing, Dorman Rd

COMMUNITY GROUP URGES RESIDENTS TO ATTEND JUNE 22 HEARING ON PROPOSED DORMAN ROAD DEVELOPMENT LITHIA, FL — Residents concerned about traffic congestion, emergency response times, infrastructure capacity, and the loss of rural character are encouraging the public to attend an upcoming zoning hearing regarding the proposed Dorman Road development in Lithia. The hearing will take place on June 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. Community members are encouraged to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. for a group photo before the meeting. The proposal involves approximately 190 acres near Dorman Road and follows recent action by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to transmit related Comprehensive Plan Amendments for state review. Those amendments would expand the Urban Service Area boundary and allow significantly greater residential density than currently permitted under existing agricultural-rural land use designations. Residents from Lithia, FishHawk, Valrico, Riverview, and surrounding communities have voiced concerns that population growth has continued to outpace transportation and infrastructure improvements in southeastern Hillsborough County. According to U.S. Census data, the FishHawk area grew from approximately 1,991 residents in 2000 to more than 24,600 residents by 2020. Community advocates argue that roads, emergency access, school transportation systems, and other public infrastructure have struggled to keep pace with that growth. One of the primary concerns remains Lithia Pinecrest Road, a major transportation corridor that carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily. Residents point to recurring congestion, lengthy commute times, school traffic challenges, and concerns about emergency vehicle access. Community members have also raised concerns regarding environmental impacts, including reports and documentation presented during public hearings indicating Florida panther activity within the broader corridor connecting regional conservation areas. Opponents of the proposal emphasize that they are not seeking to stop all future development but are advocating for infrastructure-first planning. "This is about responsible growth," said community advocate Melissa Sharma. "Residents want to see roads, emergency services, and infrastructure capable of supporting existing demand before additional density is approved." At the June 22 hearing, the community's position will be presented by legal and planning professionals representing concerned residents. Organizers say a strong public turnout is important to demonstrate the level of community interest and concern surrounding the proposal. Residents who live, work, attend school, or regularly travel through Lithia, FishHawk, Valrico, and neighboring communities are encouraged to attend. For updates and additional information, residents can follow Preserve Rural Lithia on social media and through its community outreach efforts. RSVP https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48A4A62CAA8-64554487-june WFTS Tampa Bay 28 Report https://youtu.be/K9nNVJayl4M?si=BVOvRXsACkyY8D1H Make a Donation - Contribute to Lawyer Fees https://preserverurallithia.org Preserve Rural Lithia on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/preserverurallithia BOCC Public Hearing https://www.youtube.com/live/QOxkk7w3ebc Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcanmNcAz/

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