More on TGH expansion

There are two articles of interest in today's Tampa Tribune regarding the expansion of TGH that I wrote about yesterday. (Save Our Waterfront Park and Tampa General Hospital)

1. Davis Kin Now Favor TGH's Use Of Parkland by JOSH POLTILOVE. This article notes that the family of the D.P. Davis, the developer of Davis Island, previously was against TGH's request.

However the article then goes on to state that "In an April 14 letter to the city council, Nancy Davis, whose husband is the grandson of D.P. and Marjorie Davis, said that after a recent visit to Tampa, ``it became clear that we had spoken too soon about a subject of which we were not fully educated.''

Davis, of California, said the 0.4-acre parcel is ``cut off from the rest of the park and surrounded by TGH.''
She said TGH's plan to add a 0.7-acre linear park along the seawall near Seddon Channel would mitigate the loss of the parkland. "

2. The Tampa Tribune also came out with an editorial today in favor of the TGH expansion.
TGH Parking Lot Is Essential
Published: Apr 26, 2005

"C ity council's public hearing today on Tampa General Hospital's proposed expansion is likely to be highly charged. The council is scheduled to make its initial decision on the project, although another vote will be necessary in several weeks.

Some members of the Davis Islands Civic Association vehemently oppose the project because it would allow TGH to build a parking garage on part of a small waterfront park.

Waterfront parks are hard to come by, so the residents' sentiments are understandable. But the greater good here is clear and compelling.

Tampa General Hospital - the region's only Level 1 trauma center - is essential to the community's well- being. It must expand if it is going to meet the public's growing needs.

The hospital is constructing a 280,000-square-foot addition that will almost triple the space for emergency services. The University of South Florida is planning a 126,000-square-foot facility at Tampa General, its primary teaching hospital, to group specialties in ways that better serve patients.

There is no other place for the hospital to build a badly needed seven-story, 1,400-space garage. The hospital's existing garage is overwhelmed. The overflow frequently spills onto neighborhood streets. More than 200 employees must be shuttled to work from remote parking lots. It will be difficult for the hospital to recruit and retain workers if that situation continues.

In contrast, the 1.7-acre park is no natural prize. It is a pleasant grassy area with some trees facing Seddon Island, surrounded by the bustle of the hospital. Mostly exotic vegetation and crumbling seawall line the shore. The garage will take up only 0.4 acres of the tract.

Moreover, TGH plans to build a riverwalk along the channel that will provide far more public space - and waterfront access - than what would be lost to the parking lot. This would surely be used far more than the present park, which attracts few visitors. The hospital also could replace exotic vegetation and naturalize the shore during the project.

In addition, TGH officials have offered to donate $1 million for bike paths and other improvements sought by Davis Islands residents.

Hospital officials did not help their cause with some caustic remarks to opponents in the early going, but since then they've met frequently with the public and sought to address neighbors' concerns.

The loss of any waterfront open space is regrettable, but to undermine the region's most important medical facility for a sliver of land with scant environmental value would be a travesty. Council members should give the request the go-ahead."

So now both major newspapers, the relatives of the developer and the Davis Island Chamber of Commerce are in favor of the expansion.