I think, and many will agree that Pasco is one of the most beautiful areas to live in -- But PASCO IS ALSO DIFFERENT in their maintenance, and road planning! They continue to execute plans formulated during the rural Pasco days when large land tracts were the norm, and adjacent or thru roads made little difference.  Today, that thinking of building "major collector" roads thru now small communities is tearing them apart, and threatening the quality of life. Pasco can - and should do more to protect its citizens!!

After 2 years of researching Northwood, many residents have uncovered information all residents will find interesting. We also had Pasco County Commissioner Mulieri and Chief Engineer Whidman visit us for a town forum to discuss the road issues. Read Questions asked

We have known for several years that in Pasco, there is much to gain from taking control of neighborhood streets or privatizing. but it was too much work for a handful of people to get the required 80% approval. Recent developments and confirmation from the county on the intent of this road has changed that. More residents are now helping with this effort.

One of the big negatives of privatizing has been you assume responsibility for major road repairs. That is not the case in Pasco as the homes or neighborhoods along a public road have to pay for major road repairs including paving, blacktoping anyway. It was a very surprising item to learn. The county commissioner also restated this at a recent town-hall forum. Pasco now only pays for minor repairs, example potholes. In the last 11 years we can recollect three (3) potholes being filled by Pasco County.  Given that, it is conceivable that Pothole repairs could easily be handled with a contingency fund and may not even need its own line-item ..although its good to have one.

Our work begins with getting the required 80%. We will then need takeover plans, identify responsible body (example CDD or HOA) and submit to the county for approval.

Northwood Palms Blvd is a road that was initially paid for by a CDD bond, that Northwood Home-owners will be paying on for the next 10 years. This bond is also currently on the table for a 10 year term extension.

Northwood roads although built by the bond were later turned over to the county by the builder, who for many years advertised and sold this as a gated community. We all know the painful truth today, and have had to deal with the implications.

Privatizing provides many benefits, one of them being it allows a community to provide its residents better security and a more controlled environment, possibly with two gated entrances. County has stated that a community of 600+ homes should have two entrances.

Today the county estimates there are approx 1200 trips on Northwood Palms Blvd. The county would like to have it extended to SR56 and function as a collector road of South Central Pasco. We believe this will also include traffic from Hillsborough given the proximity of developments on County line road. The traffic projections provided by the county approximate a 700% increase - between 7000 and 10000 trips as area populations increase.

This would drastically change the nature of Northwood.

It would also increase safety issues. Instead of dodging a few "resident" cars, we may be contending with a steady stream of 35 MPH "outside" traffic which may not be patient dealing with Northwood residents.

The sheriff's office has confirmed in a recent neighbourhood meeting that opening up the roads would also increase crime significantly

So, How likely is this to happen?

The collector road is in the county 20 year plan. It was not completed as the future connection to SR56 goes thru two parcels, and that land has not been turned over.

The county has been approached for a height variance by one of those parcels: the apartments north of us, who have requested the county allow them to extend the height of all Apt. buildings to 4 stories. The county expects to get the land in return for granting the height variance at the July 11th 6:30pm mtg in Dade City courthouse. Northwood residents have already made a difference, but need to stay the course, and again show up to let the BOCC know how they feel about this important issue. Attending meetings makes an impact on us for that time, but not attending will make an impact for many years to come, in some cases in ways yet unimaginable.

In case privatizing is not an option, and the road is inevitable - we will need a plan B!  Plan B calls for traffic calming features and landscaping similar to seven oaks. A walkover was suggested so residents could get to their community center, but it is aesthetically and physically challenged. We do not have an area for it to be built. Plan B has been rejected by most as not addressing the issues. The County Chief Engineer will provide ideas on resolving the safety and accessibility issues. It is being worked on in the event the community fails to come together and privatize.

Should we sell now and move. Hardly, as this is an issue in most Pasco. Northwood is an ideally sized community with arguably the BEST LOCATION! Many worked hard to find this - and all should put an effort into keeping our quality of life. Northwood, with community involvement will get even better!!

Please continue to stay informed by using the myNorthwood.com discussion boards (needs login) You can also sign up for reminder emails and news digests. I hope you will support the petition and also knock on doors to help in getting the required 80% so that further discussions, and planning can take place.