The six proposals for the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in West Tampa were given 15 minutes to explain their plans and then 15 minutes for followup questions from the Review Committee. The committee was comprised of two representatives from the National Guard and several from the immediate neighborhood. At the end of the presentations and question and answer sessions, the public were allowed to raise questions and to indicated their preferences and recomendations to the committee.
All of the proposals offer a significant impact to the West Tampa area. The property is located on 10 acres between N. Armenia and N. Howard, just north of Kennedy Boulevard and south of the Interstate. This may be the largest single development project in South Tampa.
Proposals include: an ice rink, cafes and shops, 610 condo units, a film studio, a festival type marketplace, and more.
One of the proposers,
Coastal Retail failed to attend the committee meeting.
Only one proposal -
Landmarc Realty's Project Fort Hesterly - called for the demolition of the Armory, to be replaced by condos and retail space. (Most condos in the mid $200's)
The remaining 5 offered various ideas of just what the building might become.
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS PROJECT !!!!
CLICK ON A PROPOSAL FOR A SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION & MORE INFO
This property is larger than Channelside and the traffic and economic impact could be much larger than Channelside.
Many parents, including former City Council Member Rudy Fernandez, spoke in favor of any plan that offered an ice rink. Many commented on driving kids to Kissimmee, Brandon, Oldsmar, or father in order to find a public ice rink.
The National Guard has already relocated part of their operations to Pinellas County and as part of the proposal, a plan for relocating the remaining Guard operation is required. Upon approval of a plan or plans, by the committee, the recommendations will reach the City Council and the Mayor for their selection. The committee will meet again to discuss the proposals on Wednesday, July 26.
Lots of questions arise: What impact would these proposals have on traffic in the area ? Will these plans affect the planned expansion of Old Hyde Park Village ? Will adequate parking be available ? While one of the goals of the project is to positively impact West Tampa, will this result in a complete replacement of the area ? Can a film studio succeed ? Can an ice rink succeed ? Can Tampa support another "marketplace" concept without eliminating one already here - like Channelside, International Plaza, or more ? Do we really need any more condos ?
Visit our message board and vote on your choice.
