Carrollwood Cemetery Moves Closer to Reality

Carrollwood residents who aren’t keen on living next to a cemetery might have to get use to the idea.

Hillsborough County’s land-use hearing officer has given a thumbs-up to a proposal to build a cemetery on the grounds of St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

The report filed for County Commissioners that says the church’s proposal meets the requirements of both the county’s comprehensive plan and the surrounding neighborhood’s development pattern, according to TBO.com.

While many residents came out against the cemetery plan during a June land use hearing, the report says “no competent substantial evidence” was presented to justify disapproval of the cemetery, TBO said.

St. Paul officials want to use 3 acres of land on the church’s property for a Christian cemetery.

The cemetery would be located at the intersection of North Dale Mabry and Stall Road.

Joseph Divito, legal counsel for St. Paul's called the cemetery, "A catholic right" and "part of our Catholic Christian burial."

Opponents fear the cemetery will bring more traffic to Carrollwood Village and also have expressed concerns about property values.

"It's out of character for the surrounding area," Carrollwood Village resident Scott Katz told the hearing officer during the June. "They're taking advantage of an opportunity to make a lot of money."

The issue is expected to go before Hillsborough County Commissioners in August.

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