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New Power Lines Planned

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By LAURA KINSLER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Tampa Palms is on the planned route of Progress Energy's new high-power transmission lines.

Progress officials told leaders for the Tampa Palms Owners Association and Community Development District that the company would file an application with the state Department of Environmental Protection in June to install 230-kilovolt lines in the existing power line easement that bisects Tampa Palms.

Maggie Wilson, a consultant for the district, said Progress plans to install 130-foot-high monopole structures to replace the current lattice-style transmission poles, which are 113 feet high.

"They are not committing to the height of the monopoles," Wilson said. "They will probably be 130 feet."

The poles could be higher in some locations, she said.

"I'm concerned that this is being rammed down our throats," CDD Supervisor Andy Miller said. "I'm worried that they're going to put in a 150-foot pole, and they're not telling us."

Wilson pointed out that Progress Energy owned the power easement for 40 years before Tampa Palms was developed. The district unsuccessfully sued the power company in 1996 to prevent it from reactivating the transmission lines, which had been dormant for more than a decade.

The Tampa Palms segment is a small portion of the 200-mile project. The lines would distribute power from a planned nuclear plant in Levy County.

The DEP has 18 months to review the route.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also would have to sign off on the plans for the plant. The review process could take about three years.

Playground Going Disney

In other business, the CDD board approved construction documents for its sleek, new brick-and-granite entrance signs and expects to seek bids in June. The new signs are part of a five-year plan to give the neighborhood an updated look.

The district also plans to spend about $1.2 million on playground and park renovations. Playground equipment has been removed from Hampton Park, and the park's pavilion will undergo a $70,000 renovation beginning this week. The pavilion will close immediately after Memorial Day and remain closed until late June.

A new playground will be installed this year. A modern, arched jungle gym like the ones at Epcot will highlight the new playground, along with new swing sets, and play equipment appropriate for toddlers. An impervious play surface will make the area wheelchair-accessible.

Wilson reminded the board that former district Supervisor Mark Hensleigh used to say he wanted Tampa Palms to "go Disney."

"We're finally doing it," she said.

The project should cost about $210,000 and be completed by July at the earliest.

The board adopted its preliminary 2008-09 budget and set a public hearing for Aug. 13. The $3 million operating budget maintains the community's current taxing rate.

The fiscal 2009 budget includes $18,200 to continue security patrols in the three community parks through the next year.

"We're following our plan to stay at the same taxation level," board Chairman Gene Field said.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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