Hillsborough County to allow more development in Wimauma, Balm [Video]

WIMAUMA, Fla. — Over the last several years, Hillsborough County’s population has been booming. 

Now, the Board of County Commissioners has directed planning staff to expand the county’s “Urban Service Area” as one of the ways to address growth.

Wednesday evening, Plan Hillsborough held its first of several open houses where the public could learn about its plans to expand the urban service area in the communities of Balm and Wimauma. 

Executive Director of Hillsborough Planning Commission Melissa Zornitta explained that expanding the Urban Service Area allows for more homes, businesses and services in the region. 

“It helps the county prepare to align infrastructure, things like roads, water and sewer service to where the growth is planned,” Zonitta said. “There’s nothing that requires anybody to develop …