Mayor Iorio held another of her Town Hall Meetings in the Tampa Heights neighborhood this week. These events provide great insight into the problems of neighborhoods and how the city responds to them. Virtually every major department head is in attendance as the Mayor listens to comments, suggestions, questions, gripes, and more. While the Mayor is the center point, the department heads are held accountable in a positive and helpful manor. We have attended many of these meetings and always find them enjoyable.

The Tampa Heights meeting did not seem to have a specific target issue, but a broad spectrum of topics were covered. Most topics revolved around the budget issues. The Mayor made it clear that while the budget was being trimmed, the main cuts would not be felt in on the street police protection. In fact, she pointed to an increase in the neighborhoods programs that cover basics such as road repairs, sign replacements and more. Discussions occurred on the timing of traffic lights, stormwater runoff, parking/subletting, transit and code enforcement. While not clear plan is in effect for light timing, issues are continually being checked and adjusted. The North Hyde Park area will be high on the priority list for stormwater drainage efforts, partially due to additional construction being done by the city in that area. Traffic issued focused on blocking of intersections and street pavings. Trash pickup seemed to be an issue with some residents indicating an inconsistency of what truck was picking up different refuse. Parking in SOHO and West Tampa was addressed without any specific answers, other than a continued plea for assistance by the city. That was also discussed by Chris Duffy Waldman with the Heritage Square at the Armory project providing information about their progress and plans for the 10 acre block just north of Kennedy. Many issues revolved around traffic and mass transit. Mayor Iorio has made her position clear about the need for light rail. In referring to some transit planners, she scoffed at their lack of vision in supporting a light rail system Several residents commented on the tough economic times partially enhanced by high gas prices. One Tampa Heights resident expressed concern about the number of residents occupying a single residence and the impact on parking. It was pointed out that as many as 5 can live at a residence without issue and that code enforcement could be the appropriate department to contact concerning this issue. Some mention about the Salvation Army location being detracting was discussed, and it was assigned to be investigated.

Overall this was a pretty tame Town Hall meeting. The Mayor did comment on the enlistment visit of Louisville Kentucky Mayor Jerry Abramson to recruit young professionals to relocate to his city. With a challenge for him to have a Tampa tour and a Cuban sandwich, she was sure he would consider relocating to Tampa.

As we have stated before, if you want to see how your City works, there is no better place to be than a Town Hall meeting.

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