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Council Nixes Drew Park Land Use, Zoning Changes

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

DREW PARK - The city council, acting as the community redevelopment agency, has eliminated proposed land use and zoning changes in the Drew Park Strategic Action Plan.

The 5-0 vote Thursday puts to rest an issue that has dangled over the neighborhood for more than a year.

"I think it is wonderful," said Maritza Astorquiza, co-chairman of the Drew Park Community Redevelopment Area's community advisory committee. "It is a vote of confidence for the community and business owners in the community."

Consultant URS Corp. and city staff created a zoning and land use plan to attract housing, retail and professional offices to the neighborhood, which has a mix of industries and adult businesses.

The proposal recommended changes east of Lois Avenue between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Crest Avenue. The plan retained the industrial zoning west of Lois and the residential zoning in Drew Park's southwest corner.

If the changes had been approved, property owners would have been able to retain their current land use and zoning.

However, new industrial zoning would have been prohibited east of Lois and industrial businesses could expand by only 5 percent.

Some business owners saw the proposal as infringing on property rights and impeding investment.

For some, the council's vote gives the neighborhood direction on how to move forward.

"I think the best thing about it is that the issue is resolved," said Randy Coen, chairman of the community advisory committee.

Also Thursday, the council approved the city's purchase of two adjacent lots in Drew Park for $97,000.

City officials said they want to work with an outside organization to develop affordable multifamily housing on the vacant lots at 4221 N. Coolidge Ave. and 4224 Hubert Ave.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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