Cemex looks to rezone 126 acres Industrial 2

CEMEX Construction Materials of Florida Inc. is applying for the rezoning of three parcels totaling 126-acres on the east side of Cobb Road, 3000’ south of Yontz Road. The rezoning would be from AG/(Agricultural) and M/(Mining) to I-2/(Industrial-2). The matter went before the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 9, 2022 and will go before the Board of County Commissioners on June 14, 2022.

The Future Land Use Map shows industrial usage and the subject parcel is located adjacent to the Cemex mines and other industrially zoned parcels. Cemex has not provided specific uses for the property. The Seaboard Airline Railroad spur is located at the northeast corner of the property, which makes the property desirable for an industrial business.

Industrial (I-1) uses include:
(a) Light manufacturing
(b) Light wholesale and storage establishments
(c) Light outdoor advertising service establishments
(d) Light research, development and testing laboratories
(e) Light motor freight transportation establishments
(f) Aircraft parts establishments
(g) Automobile and truck repair establishments
(h) Welding shops
(i) Cabinet shops
(j) Automobile service establishments
(k) Domestic rental services
(l) Miniwarehouses
(m) Publishing and printing service establishments
(n) Monopole Towers 150 feet or less in height
(o) Recycling Collection Facility
(p) Domestic and business service establishments
(q) Construction service establishments
(r) Business, professional, governmental and nonprofit organization offices
(s) Business training schools
(t) Publicly owned or operated building

In addition to all of the allowed I-1 uses, I-2 zoning allows the following uses:
(a) Any use permitted in the I-1 Industrial District.
(b) Heavy research, development and testing laboratories.
(c) Heavy motor freight transportation establishments.
(d) Heavy building material establishments.
(e) Heavy construction service establishments.
(f) Heavy landscaping service establishments.
(g) Aircraft establishments.

County staff has recommended approval.

During the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting adjacent property owner Donna Snow who has lived next to this property for 38 years said her main concern is what their intentions are for the property. “We are agricultural. I do not want our land or the land next to us changed. There are wild animals on that land across from where we live that we have enjoyed immensely. We are both retired in our old age and I thought this could be our home until we die and leave it to our children. But if there’s not going to be anything worth inheriting, obviously it upsets me.”

Another resident named Mitchell who is building a house for his daughter near the property stated that he is also a real estate appraiser. He commented, “As a real estate appraiser, any commercial, industrial influence on this property would greatly affect the value of every house on this street.”

Howard VanBusKirk, a resident who lives approximately 300 feet from the property on Manecke Road stated, “If they do put that as industrial, I’d like it stipulated that there can be no entrances off of Manecke Road or Gottesman Lane which runs off of Manecke Rd, also a very wide buffer zone between our neighborhood and the industry that’s going there.”

Other residents voiced concerns about noise levels, dust, and a possible back entrance.

Attorney Darryl Johnston, representing Cemex stated that while Cemex is the property owner, they will not be the developer. He said that Cemex is seeking the rezoning then someone else may come in and decide how they want to develop it and then go through the permitting process with the county.

“They’ll (the county) will determine where access is, what buffering needs to get done before any permits could be pulled to build anything on the 126 acres.”

“The intended use is to sell it to somebody to create opportunity, create jobs for folks in Hernando County,” said Johnston.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jerry Campbell stated that because the Future Land Use Map designation of the property is Industrial, he supports the rezoning.

Planning and Zoning Chairman Mike Fulford stated, “I personally believe in landowner rights both on the seller and owner perspective- to do with my property as allowed by the local ordinances. I also believe in being a good neighbor. I do know Cemex makes an extra effort to be a positive part of the Hernando County community. For those residential individuals present in these chambers today, I am fairly certain that if you have concerns if and when this property is developed in the industrial classification, that Cemex will be a good steward of your concerns.”

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning. The matter now heads to the Board of County Commissioners on June 14 when they will decide on final approval.