WIMAUMA - Plans for a controversial 1,088-home development in Wimauma came to a halt last week when Turfgrass America withdrew its rezoning application.

The company had been trying to rezone 537 acres for a subdivision called the Reserve at Westlake. Nearby residents opposed the plan because the land is near the Balm Scrub Preserve.

Turfgrass America vice president Ron Mahan said the company withdrew because of market conditions.

"We're just concerned that recovery is not going to happen as quickly as we once hoped," he said.

The rezoning application got off to a quick start last fall, when county planners okayed it. But in December, a land use hearing officer denied the request, stating it went against the community plan, among other problems.

Turfgrass America was planning to revise it and try again, but withdrew the plan just before the second hearing. For now, any plans for developing the farm are on hold.

However, Mahan said the company would most likely attempt to build some kind of housing development in the future. It may not be the same design, he said, but when the market improves, the company will probably file another application.

Balm resident Marcella O'Steen, who attended past meetings and spoke against the development, said she'll be watching.

"I hope it's nothing like what they attempted in the past," she said. "It was not appropriate. Something less dense would be more appropriate."

Jessica Vander Velde can be reached at jvandervelde@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2443.