Anderson Columbia is again seeking a zoning change to build an asphalt plant on a wooded property just north of Crystal River. The company is asking to change the future land use designation of approximately 22.6 acres at 7355 N. Citrus Ave. from General Neighborhood Commercial to Industrial. The change would allow construction of a heavy industrial asphalt operation along County Road 495. Chronicle reporter Mike Arnold reported the story on November 9, 2026.
The request faces opposition from several directions. County planning staff have raised concerns about the project, and Crystal River officials have objected over the plant’s proximity to nearby homes and the city’s wastewater spray field. Residents and city leaders worry about the impact on neighborhoods and the wastewater system that sits close to the site. The company has pursued the project before, and this application marks another attempt to win approval for the wooded parcel.
The application is scheduled to go before the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission at 2 p.m. Nov. 19. That hearing will be the first time the commission hears the request. Commissioners will weigh the staff concerns and the objections from Crystal River against the company’s arguments for the industrial designation.
Anderson Columbia operates an existing asphalt plant in Ocala, which the company uses as a reference point for its proposal. Supporters of industrial development often point to jobs and tax revenue, while opponents cite noise, emissions, truck traffic and potential harm to nearby residential areas. The county has not yet indicated how it will rule on the request.
Residents who want to comment can attend the hearing or submit written comments to the county planning office before the meeting. Officials have not said when a final decision will be made. Updates will follow as the review process moves forward.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
