(The following appeared on the Winter Haven News Chief website on December 8.)
BARTOW, Fla. — The Polk County Long Range Planning Division is partnering with the city of Winter Haven to conduct a future land-use study for the State Road 60 area.
The purpose of the study is to develop a vision and plan for the future. The plan will protect natural and community resources and create a blueprint for growth.
The study will help guide future growth associated with the CSX Intermodal Logistics Center. Study goals include protecting existing environmentally sensitive areas; preserving the countryside, farming and historical character of the area; and promoting additional economic growth.
The proposed study area is bordered by Eloise Loop/Thompson Nursery Road on the north, U.S. Highway 27 on the east, Alturas-Babson Park Cut Off Road on the south and 80 Foot Road/Bartow City Limits/Gerber Dairy Road on the west.
The County Long Range Planning and Winter Haven’s Planning Division will seek comments and suggestions from residents in the surrounding cities. Local landowners, community and environmental groups, interested governmental agencies and other public and private stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the vision planning through a series of community and focus group meetings.
A focus group consisting of local residents and business owners in the area will be used to help guide the study efforts.
The first community meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Poolside Room of the Chain O’ Lakes Complex, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven.
The second meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Homeland Heritage Park at the Old Homeland Methodist Church, 249 Church Ave., Homeland.
The purpose of the study, as well as a brief overview is available at www.polk-county.net/projects.