Council postpones Goodwill distribution center tree‑removal hearing for revised site plan to save specimen oaks

The city council on June 1 postponed action on a specimen tree removal request (TR2026‑007) tied to a proposed Goodwill Brooksville distribution center off Barnett Road, directing staff and the applicant to return with revised plans that could save trees in a southeast parking area.

Native Engineering’s Richard Paulin (S21) presented the project footprint, noting wetlands in the southwest corner, required drainage ponds and a long building that constrains grading and tree retention. Paulin said some clusters of specimen trees can be preserved but that trees within proposed pond areas likely must be removed and would be replaced with littoral‑shelf plantings such as bald cypress.

Debbie Passerini (S22), president and CEO of Goodwill Industries Suncoast, told the council the proposed facility would create about 35 new jobs initially and could grow to roughly 60 employees over five years; she described the site as a combined retail center, warehouse and donation drop‑off, and said the location would support Goodwill’s ten‑county operations.

Council members questioned truck circulation, road improvements required by Hernando County, and whether the retail/warehouse would significantly increase truck traffic. Several members emphasized preserving majestic oaks near residential areas. One council member made a motion to postpone the item and require a redraw of the southeast corner and parking area to save trees; the motion carried 4–0.

The council's direction preserves the applicant's ability to return with refined mitigation that may reduce tree removals while allowing staff to ensure clear conditions and avoid post‑approval discrepancies.

Next steps: the applicant and staff will revise the site plan per council direction and bring the item back to a future meeting.