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Patriots Corner Condo Now Proposed As 147 Feet

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

BAYSHORE - A new proposal for a condominium tower at Patriots Corner calls for a shorter building than the one rejected last year by city council but still needs a height waiver.

At a little more than 147 feet, the tower at Bayshore and Bay to Bay boulevards would be taller than the permitted 120 feet. Citivest Construction's proposal envisions 31 two- and three-bedroom condos from the fourth to 10th floors and parking on the first three levels.

A council zoning hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.

"I'm surprised," said Vicki Pollyea, president of the Bayshore Gardens Neighborhood Association.

The speculation was that Citivest would proceed with building the city-approved, 120-foot high-rise on a corner used mostly for public parking and on Fridays as a gathering spot where the Bayshore Patriots wave flags at 5 p.m.

In November, the council denied a rezoning request for a 190-foot tower. Citivest owner Bill Robinson said then that a taller tower built on a smaller portion of the nearly 1-acre site would leave more green space.

A compromise to lop off about 20 feet failed to win over the council.

Pollyea said she had not seen Citivest's plans and hopes Robinson will contact the association.

"I have respect for Mr. Robinson," she said. "He owns the lot and he needs to build something."

The goal is to maintain Bayshore's scenic and historical beauty, she said.

Robinson could not be reached for comment.

Another Citivest condo tower proposal is headed for a Sept. 8 public hearing before the city's Architectural Review Commission for a final certificate of appropriateness.

The tower would be built at Bayshore and DeSoto Avenue, just inside the Hyde Park Historic District. The zoning allows for high-rise development.

Nearly four years ago, the commission refused to issue a certificate, saying the 346-foot tower would be inconsistent with historic district guidelines.

The council agreed, but Citivest won appeals in circuit and appellate courts. The state Supreme Court declined to review the case and in December the council reluctantly approved a preliminary certificate.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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