Seminole Heights Business Plan

So what is next for the business plan? What does it mean if City Council gives its endorsement? What are the action steps to begin implementing this plan?

By the way, the Seminole Heights Business Alliance finally got their own web page.

Sep 17, 2005

Town Meeting Group Applauds Redevelopment Plan
By KATHY STEELE
ksteele@tampatrib.com

About 25 residents at a town hall meeting gave unanimous support this week to a blueprint for commercial redevelopment of Seminole Heights.

The Seminole Heights Business District Strategic Plan goes next to Tampa City Council members at an undetermined date for their endorsement.

The next phase of what has been an 18-month process will be to form committees to put the plan into action. Among the suggestions are creating an overlay district and developing gateways to showcase business corridors, including Florida and Central avenues.

"This is not a legally binding document," said Tony Garcia, a senior planner with the Hillsborough County-City Planning Commission. "It does not mandate that any of these things move forward."

The planning commission hosted the meeting Tuesday at the Seminole Heights Baptist Church. An impromptu vote to support the plan was taken on a motion from Beverly Morrow, president of the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association.

Area residents, business owners and three presidents of neighborhood associations attended, including Morrow; Gary Ellsworth, of South Seminole Heights Civic Association; and Randy Baron, of Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association.

The business plan evolved from a January 2004 meeting when planners, business owners and residents discussed strategies to boost economic development in Seminole Heights. Four committees were appointed to look at aesthetics, incentives, regulatory issues and marketing strategies.

Some recommendations are to develop a streetscape program, install utilities underground, offer tax increment financing, designate an impact fee-free zone, establish a business district Web site, and create a marketing alliance with the three neighborhood associations.

Ron Rampolla, owner of Affordable Homes on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, supported the plan but wanted more help for small-business owners navigating city regulations.

"I don't see that in your plan," Rampolla said.

The city provides courtesy reviews for business owners regarding permits and business plans.

Cynthia Miller, Tampa's director of business and housing development, said she would work with committee members to make the process smoother. An ombudsman is on staff to assist business owners, Miller said.

Hiring a staff person dedicated to Seminole Heights is unlikely, Garcia said.

"I guarantee you the budget is not going to allow that," he said.



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