by PAT RAIA
[email protected]
The Hernando Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has approved the rezoning petition for a Sand Borrow Pit adjacent to the CEMEX mine. The decision was made during the regular meeting of the BOCC on May 11, 2021.
Submitted by Christopher T. Carollo, the petition sought rezoning of property located on eastern terminus of Rester Drive from Agricultural to a Planned Development Project (PDP) for special excavations with deviations.
On Feb 8 the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the petition and recommended the BOCC approve the request for rezoning.
Since then, the BOCC considered several comments from the public and others regarding the rezoning. Subsequently, the Board referred the request to the county planning and zoning and public works departments to iron out sticking points between the county and CEMEX.
During its May 11 meeting, the BOCC heard a presentation from Coastal Engineering President and CEO Cliff Manuel, Jr. detailing the results of discussions with County staffers including its Planning and Zoning Director.
Manuel told the board that according to County recommendations, Sand Pit mining operations would be restricted to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and that mine operators would notify the county within 48 hours if a sinkhole was found and that a remedial plan would be submitted within 30 days.
Setbacks would be established 10-feet on the North, and East of the property’s boundaries, and 100-feet on the West and 300-Feet on the South.
Meanwhile, movement in and out of the mining area would be restricted so that trucks would exit to SR 50.
“No traffic would go east on Fort Dade,” Manuel said.
Finally, Manuel said CEMEX requested that the mine’s special use requirement be extended from two years to five.
“It’s important for us to have the 5 years,” Manuel stated.
After considering the items covered in the presentation, the BOCC voted unanimously to approve the rezoning petition.
