In 2014, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provided a $20,000 grant for the development of a revitalization plan for Kass Circle in Spring Hill, “the first mixed residential multi-family neighborhood and business district laid out in the original Spring Hill master plan.” The focus area is part of the original Spring Hill platted by the Deltona Corporation in the 1960’s. The other multi-family commercial center platted by Deltona in the 1960’s is located at Mariner and Northcliffe.
The project area encompasses 239 acres and focuses on the existing Spring Hill Shopping Plaza as well as adjacent commercial and residential areas. The plan was prepared by USF Center for Community Design and Research and county staff with input from residents and business owners in the area. The plan is a long-term redevelopment strategy to improve the aesthetics, safety, and economic viability of the area and creates an appealing “suburban town center” destination. The plan includes lighting, landscaping and walking/biking accessibility improvements as well as the development of a park setting, a separate water retention park, a nature trail boardwalk, a community garden, a multi use parking garage, bus station infrastructure along Spring Hill Drive, a civic center and sets aside space for special outdoor events and festivals. Through a process of public workshops, a master plan was created to provide a framework for revitalization over the next 15 to 20 years.
Phase I of the project (Years 1-4) is underway with the county is looking into establishing a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) which implements tax increment financing. Basically, property taxes will go directly into funding improvements to the area. Downtown Brooksville has been a CRA since 1996. Also, the county is examining community development grants. In order for this plan to be successful there will need to be a considerable amount of private investment as well. The Spring Hill Plaza shopping center will be the catalyst in revitalization. Currently, the owners of the Plaza have not undertaken any major renovations but continue to provide maintenance of the property.
Additional Phase I projects in progress include the construction of a sidewalk in front of the plaza, funded by the DOT as well as bus benches. Withlacoochee River Electric will be replacing the electric to the plaza as it is nearly 50 years old. The electric, originally installed underground, will be replaced likewise. The owners of the Spring Hill Plaza gave space to the Sheriff’s Office and they are preparing it for a substation.
Other goals slated for Phase I of the project include garnering community support for the project including trash clean-ups, lighting and landscaping improvements, speed limit reduction along Spring Hill Drive, creating pedestrian paths in the neighborhood and connections to the Town Center area from stormwater drainage easements, negotiate and acquire property for Stormwater Park and the Civic Building as well as finding ways to get businesses to work together.
If you would like to contribute to revitalizing Kass Circle there will be a Kass Circle trash clean up from 8am to 10am on May 30th. Volunteers may sign in at People Helping People located at 1396 Kass Circle in Spring Hill. Gloves, trash bags and water will be provided to all participants. Republic Services has generously donated a free dumpster and waived disposal fees for this important cleanup project. Contact Doug Brainard at (352) 442-1156 for more information.
Additionally, Pat McNesse with the Hernando County Planning Department is available to answer questions or provide a powerpoint presentation for community groups and businesses. She can be reached at (352) 754-4057, ext. 28016.