Starbucks

Starbucks is trying to open up a store at the NE corner of Hillsborough and Central, the site of a torn down gas station. (See Commission Set To Decide Fate Of Coffee Break.) However it is running into some problems with the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) (See Starbucks Design Impedes Proposal) According to the article, the ARC has said "the design doesn't fit with the character of the Seminole Heights Historic District, where commercial properties historically abut the sidewalk. The commission has asked the developer to turn the building to face Central Avenue, next to the sidewalk." The land also needs to be re-zoned to accommodate the store. Starbucks wants to put up a sign visible from the Interstate and but nothing in that article indicated the ARC's position.

The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA) supports the design submitted by Starbucks.

Why grant an exception?

1. We need Starbucks because we need coffee. Since Rigo's restaurant died we have not had a good sit-in coffee shop in Seminole Heights. At least 2 others had tried but nothing got off the ground.

2. We need Starbucks because they are a major player. That Starbucks has confidence in our neighborhood should attract notice from the local and regional/national business community. (Hey business community - we need a UPS store.)

3. We need Starbucks at that location because it will draw people off the Interstate and into our neighborhood. If we can get them to Starbucks then maybe we can then lure them to our other businesses.

We should be concerned whether this will establish a precedent, that some other business can use. However I think the precedent established is "what the neighborhood supports should be allowed to come and what it does not, should not."

There are two meetings coming up that are very important:

ARC
MONDAY, APRIL 4TH 5:30 PM
TAMPA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
315 EAST KENNEDY BOULEVARD, THIRD FLOOR

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH 6:00 P.M.
TAMPA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
315 EAST KENNEDY BOULEVARD

First Home Realty is leading a drive to support having Starbucks. They are encouraging people to go to the ARC and the City Council meetings. They will have a carpool/caravan leaving from their office on those days. (5725 N. Nebraska, phone: 877-7767) They are asking that at a bare minimum please email your name, address, phone number and comments of support to Info@seminoleheightshomes.com that they will then present to ARC.