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Business Of Fitting In

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

TAMPA - Move to a new subdivision and there usually are plans for shops, restaurants and more.

But move to an urban area, and a network of businesses and neighborhoods may already be in place. So it is in downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City.

With the city's urban communities not having seen such growth in retail and housing for three or four decades, newcomers are being asked for input.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership just wrapped up the first part of its census-like questionnaire for office workers and business owners. In the next few months, residents will be polled. The Ybor City Development Corp. is quizzing small-business owners. And the Channel District is conducting a city-sponsored survey about how to maintain its artistic milieu.

"We're asking 'What do you like and dislike about being a professional downtown?'" said Paul Ayres, the downtown partnership's marketing director. "As for residents, we've never calculated their numbers before."

The Tampa Tribune spoke recently with urban newcomers. On Saturday, residents will have their say. Today, we hear from business people.

Janis D. Froelich

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