Changes proposed at Starkey Ranch development

NEW PORT RICHEY — Starkey Ranch's developers are proposing changes that might include adding an over-55 community to the proposed 5,000-home development off State Road 54.

Representatives for developer Wheelock Street Capital are set to meet Monday with staff from Pasco's planning and development office to consider that change and others. If necessary, county commissioners will be asked to consider them also.

Patrick Gassaway, the owner of Heidt Design and a representative of Wheelock, called the changes "mostly bookkeeping items."

It's not clear whether the over-55 community will be restricted to seniors or just marketed toward them, he said.

Among other changes, Wheelock wants to add more park space and replace four quarter-mile circles with a more traditional block-style layout.

Two weeks ago, the developer made a pitch to county commissioners to donate 40 acres as part of a proposed 80-acre district park at the development. The county would need to agree to buy the remaining 40 acres.

The meeting at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey is set for 2:15 p.m. Monday.