Wesley Chapel-April 2005-If you haven't noticed,Wesley Chapel is growing in leaps and bounds. On Highway 56 the Sam's store is almost finished. This Sam's will include a gas station, Considering gas prices and Sam's member discounts, it has better be a big one.
The development of Wiregrass Ranch, 5000 acres in the southeast quadrant of Hwy 54 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd, is under way. Residential development plans have been submitted by Pulte Home divisions, Del Webb and DiVosta Homes, to the county for two of the three villages that they have planned for Wiregrass. Aprroximately 16000 homes, a high school, a middle school and a number of grade schools are also planned.
That's only the beginning. Retail and commercial development are also planned with about one half of approximated 8 million square feet for each type.
Moving right along, how about a shopping center with 1.6 million square feet under roof.. Cypress Creek Town Center is being developed by Richard E. Jacobs Group. Founded 50 years ago, Cleveland based Jacobs Group is not only a major shopping mall devloper but has also developed major hotel properties and is the owner of the world famous Pier House Resort and Spa in Key West.. Wiregrass Commons currently under construction, will be anchored by a J.C. Penny.
Taking into consideration, the Seven Oaks development located along the Bruce B. Downs corridor and the Wiregrass plans, doubling our population, now estimated at
between 25,000 and 30,000, is possible.
The county is considering a government facility in Wiregrass. Currently our county property appraiser will be moving to rented space in the Village Market Shopping Center.
in a few months. He wants to be closer to where the money is and provide a more convenient location for this fast growing area. Our sources tell us that a government center in Wiregrass would probably be supplemental rather than a replacement project. The county office building in Land O' Lakes has about as many employees as the many departments can accommodate. Final plans have not been made
State Road 54 on both sides of I-75 will become a motor mile. Current auto dealers are Heritage Ford and Century Kia to the east. and no less than 6 new dealerships on the books including Ferman Motors a multiple brand dealership with a location currently in Tampa.
As our tax base increases, our property taxes should be stable or as in the past few years, decrease. We will be reporting on all of this exciting growth. We want to know what you think about it,
