Charlie Miranda 5:02:43PM
Here.
Guido Maniscalco 5:02:43PM
Here.
Lynn Hurtak 5:02:44PM
Here.
Naya Young 5:02:46PM
Here. Carlson?
Bill Carlson 5:02:48PM
Here.
Alan Clendenin 5:02:49PM
Here.
The Clerk 5:02:49PM
We have a physical quorum.
Alan Clendenin 5:02:51PM
Thank you. Lets start with agenda review. Anybody have any changes to the agenda? Item number 13, file number ab2-25-14, was mis-noticed and needs to be removed from the agenda.
Alan Clendenin 5:03:11PM
We have a motion to remove the mis-noticed item 13 from the agenda from Councilman Maniscalco, second from Councilwoman Hurtak. All those in favor, aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. Anything else? Anything from Council? We have a motion to approve the agenda from Councilwoman Hurtak and second from Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor, aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. Mr. Shelby, would you like to kick US off with some rules for public comments?
Martin Shelby 5:03:46PM
This does not apply to the public hearings. Only --
Alan Clendenin 5:03:49PM
Just decorum.
Martin Shelby 5:03:50PM
Decorum in general?
Alan Clendenin 5:03:52PM
Yes.
Martin Shelby 5:03:55PM
Thank you. Sorry I dont have them handy. Good evening members of the City Council. Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. Good evening, members of the public. Rules of decorum briefly, members shall refrain from disruptive behavior, including making vulgar or threatening remarks and shall refrain from making personal attacks. Comments should be directed to the council as a body, not individual council members. No one present during a council meeting shall engage in disruptive behavior, including intentionally making or causing to be made any disruptive noise or sound or displaying signs or graphics in a manner disruptive to the proceedings this evening. The chair shall rule out of order any member of the public who shall speak without being recognized or who shall not address council from the podium or the established speaker area. All persons shall at all times conduct themselves in accordance with council rules. Persons failing to do so shall be ruled out of order and May, at the discretion of the chair, be removed from the council chambers for the remainder of this evenings meetings. I believe that in a nutshell is IT, mr. Chairman.
Alan Clendenin 5:05:26PM
Thank you. What I want to reconfirm for those of you here this morning and watched before, that means as much as people like validation, we dont want applause and we also dont want boos. Basically when people come up to the podium, we want to hear what they have to say and give them their full attention. When people are speaking, we dont want the distractions from the audience. Sit quietly and listen to what everybody has to say and we respect everybody. Another reminder that Councilwoman Hurtak just reminded me, a problem we had this morning, I dont think you all realize how good the acoustics are in here. Even though sitting in the back. When you start talking in the Council Chambers, IT reverberates up here and IT becomes very distracting. If you want to speak, please walk out of the chamber. Go out in the hallway and speak with each other. Other thing, please remember to silence all of your phones. Take an opportunity right now, look at your phones and make sure they are silent. That goes for staff, too. On speaking on each item, these hearings, you speak after the item has been heard. Everybody will get an opportunity. I see there are a lot of similar faces. If you spoke this morning and you dont have anything new to add, you dont have to speak again tonight. There are people still waiting to come into chambers to be able to speak. You are perfectly -- you want to speak, you can speak. I did want to ask Council, we spoke about IT this morning. Anybody want to entertain a motion for two minutes? I see Councilman Miranda said yes. Anybody else? Is there a sentiment from Council for two minutes?
Charlie Miranda 5:07:08PM
Especially the people who spoke this morning.
Alan Clendenin 5:07:11PM
No. Okay. Im not feeling the love in the room for two minutes. Well go with three and prepare for a long evening. Again, if -- its your opportunity to speak. You get three minutes. IT doesnt mean you have to use the three minutes. If you heard something said and you want to say I agree with someone, perfectly capable of doing that. Dont have to repeat the same thing. Councilman Viera isnt in the building -- same 14 ears that heard everything this morning. With that, I would like to kick off this meeting. Well go to issue number 1. Staff, please. Jean Duncan, administrator for infrastructure and mobility. I was expecting -- to be here, being this is a financial resolution item that were bringing before you. Ill share a few details and hope he joins US shortly. The issue we have before you today is a financial resolution to move some stormwater monies that are left over from another bond issuance from another project that we performed. We want to move those monies into the south howard flood project so we can start tallying those numbers and really get a good read on the funds we Have In Place. So that is the action that were asking you to take today is for the financial resolution. We can certainly answer any questions related to the financial aspect or the project aspect that you would like to ask.
Alan Clendenin 5:08:45PM
Does Council have any questions that were not answered this morning? Hearing none, okay. So this will be the opportunity for the public to weigh in on issue number 1. This morning We asked for ten at a time. More than ten at a time. We can put ten people up against the wall if you wish to speak to the issue. Ill call you up one at a time. When you call -- when you are called to the podium, approach the podium, start with your name and youll have up to three minutes to speak. The first ten people that would like to speak to the issue, if you line up against the wall, if you would like to speak to issue number one. Wow. This will be an earlier night -- okay. [ laughter I was thinking, wow, im going to be home for dinner. First speaker, please. I see a familiar face. Been a few hours. Steve Gerrish. I live in parkland estates. What can I say, its been over a year of e-mails, meetings. I dont know what to say that hasnt already been said except for I didnt think IT would come to this. But tonight is basically our lives and our future that you hold in your hands. Because if this vote is a no, then the project gets stopped and there is no project waiting in the wings ready to go to help US. Theres nothing. We cannot physically, mentality, financially, emotionally withstand more flooding, and IT will happen. Any new project that is proposed, all this money in grants and available cash is going to be gone, and We have to start from zero in the future if something comes up and then there will be more people, maybe from a different part of town that come to meetings and say We dont want this for this reason and that reason and have to go through all of this all over again and the project will have to be designed and take another ten years. I dont know what to say. This is our lives you hold in your hands.
Alan Clendenin 5:11:28PM
Thank you very much. Next speaker, please. Start with your name. My name is Mila Garrish. A year and three months ago, hurricane Milton hit my house. At first I thought I was going to be okay because our house is 20 feet above sea level, but I was wrong. Our house flooded and that was the day my whole life changed. I was in 8th grade at the time, and my little sister was in 6th. As kids, we shouldnt be worrying about everything -- sorry, about anything, but I was worried. I was worried for my parents, for my siblings, for me, and for everyone who lived On My Street. I have never seen my parents as upset as I did that night. No kid should have their memories all washed away. And to think that we might not be able to save our house the next time a hurricane hits scares me. Why should I be worried when you guys have the power to fix IT? I just want to have a normal life and not be staring At The Street every single time IT rains. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:12:36PM
Thank you very much. Next Speaker, please.
Alan Clendenin 5:12:41PM
Drop IT on there, our cttv people -- [inaudible] the wheel. Hi. My name is Ben Barnaby. Hello, esteemed council members. I live in Palma Ceia pines with my wife and five-year-old daughter. Like hundreds of families and dozens of businesses in our neighborhood in parkland, our home was severely damaged by flooding during hurricane milton. All of US experienced significant losses, including irreplaceable personal items, many weeks to months of normal life. Families were displaced, children were uprooted, large portions of our neighborhood became uninhabitable. Homes that were not and are not in a designated flood zone, and we were not even in a mandatory evacuation zone as well. Fortunately, many of US did evacuate because we have small children, and we do not take the storms lightly. That said the flooding caused by the storm was not entirely unforeseen. Our streets have flooded significantly from rainstorms time and time again, as you can see in that picture, that was taken a month prior to milton when three inches of rain caused the entire streets to completely flood out, stalling cars, preventing emergency vehicles to and from our homes to the Hca Health Hospital thats right nearby. In 2015 and 2024, the flooding affected hundreds of homes, and theres no doubt we will see more rain events like these again. As mentioned and you heard many times, over 20 feet above sea level, a mile inland from the bay, yet at its peak we had stormwater reach our mailboxes. And remain there for hours. And this was due to 100-year-old severely undersized stormwater systems. This was all preventable and should not happen where we live. What brings me here today is simple, this flooding is not a mystery. The solution is not speculative, and delay is not neutral. Its expensive and dangerous. City Engineers have already done the work. The south howard flood relief project has been studied for many years, evaluated by multiple firms, refined using updated data. IT is designed to be built in manageable segments keeping access open and disruption temporary. Opposition is asking to you stop a project, not because there is a better plan, but because the delay benefits a very narrow group. Lets be clear about the facts. The problem cannot be remedy with simple maintenance or additional pumps alone. There are no better alternatives or routes. This project does not drain the stormwater fund and still leaves plenty of funds for other projects to continue moving forward. IT does help Palma Ceia pines, though some state IT will not. IT is a critical project to update our failing infrastructure so that IT can support the entire South Tampa basin for generations to come. The real risk isnt spending money. The real risk is signaling that Heavily Funded Special Interest complain loudly enough, special projects such as public safety projects can die and even when engineering is sound and the need is proven. If this project is killed IT wont just flood our streets, homes and businesses again. IT will flood future decision making. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:16:08PM
Thank you. Have a good night. Next speaker, please. Im Reba Cardillo. I am the owner of the building that our business occupies on 2707 West Azeele Street. If you have seen the pictures of Hurricane Milton's flooding on azeele, youd find our building in the deepest flooded area on the corner of arrawana and azeele. After any heavy rain, this corner is always underwater. The early morning after Hurricane Milton, my son and I drove our truck to check on the office. There were a few vehicles On The Road because only trucks could Make Their Way around the flooded areas. The flooding was so bad We could only get within three blocks of our office. We spoke with a woman on foot who had just come from azeele and said, dont Drive That Way as the floodwaters were up to her thigh. We returned later that afternoon as the waters subsided to find a flood line of 18 inches high in our building. Immediately, We pulled out push brooms to get the remaining inches of water out of our office, followed by demolition, cleanup, and Reconstruction. The cost of repair of our building was $101,000. And nine months of business disruption and employee anxiety working in adverse conditions. This is not our first flood. This is not our first rodeo. In 2018, six short years ago, We were also flooded due to nothing more than heavy rains. This flood cost US $50,000. We had 8 inches of floodwater in our building at that time. Every year with heavy rains, We hold our breath with fear as water rises to our doors, and We prepare again to get flooded. Meanwhile, working days are disrupted as Employees cant drive to the office because of flooding around this area. This is super frustrating to US, and We thought the Project was moving forward. At every step We continue to have to fight more for the Project to go forward. What are We paying taxes for in this city if We cant resolve the flooding issues? This specific problem. Are We to give up and all go home and suffer our next flood? Ive been dealing with this area flooding since 2002. Thats 23 years of flooding anxiety. I implore you to please support this Project and begin as soon as possible. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:19:05PM
Thank you. Have a good evening. Next speaker, please. Start with your name. You have three minutes. I was the owner of Skin Savvy Rx at the corner of habana and azeele. I lost my business in October 2024 because the City didnt put in the corrective pipes that should have been placed at that time. I have pictures of 2015 taken from my perspective on that corner. I bought and rezoned the property at 403 habana in 2005 and owned the property for 20 years. I complied with all rezoning requirements, including the construction of a retention pond on the property to remediate the effects of pavers that were placed for parking. After two floods, or three, and two significant water intrusions, I found that the small retention pond was collecting stormwater runoff from the condo to the best and other concreted areas that had long been in existence. And inadequate stormwater drainage system which the City was aware of. My property was not designated as a flood zone of any type. The business was successful. And after a couple of years, I purchased the adjacent property to the north at 2802 azeele. I moved the Practice next door, but retained the property at habana. The retention pond was a constant source of attention and maintenance and my family and others were constantly called upon to divert the overflow of water from just natural rainstorm events. IT was a nightmare to keep up with the overflow. I contacted the City for guidance. They were unable to offer anything. I then began the gathering of documents to prepare for my retirement and the sale of my Practice and property. Thats when Covid hit. IT took three years almost to recover even a semblance of income that the Practice previously generated. In October of 2024, I only had flood insurance on the habana building because I was still recovering from Covid. I was underinsured and IT was my choice not to cut employee salaries to buy more insurance. The result of milton was devastating. The flood destroyed the building, its contents, electric beds, furnishing, treatment equipment, cabinets full of paper work, files, medical equipment, skin care supplies and retail products. I was 70 years old and uninsured for the flooding of this nature. I understand.
Alan Clendenin 5:22:27PM
Im sorry. Have a good night.
Alan Clendenin 5:22:31PM
Your time is up. Im so sorry. Only get three minutes. So sorry. Have a good night. Next speaker, please. Good evening. Start with your name. You have three minutes. Greg Parks. Thank you all for your time. I know its been a long day. Here to ask for your support to allocate these funds for this project. Like youve heard, I wont even take the whole three minutes. I think you all heard the gist today. Ive been living with this since We moved into our house. We flooded in '15. Weve had a handful of other encounters where We thought We were going to flood. Obviously We flooded with Milton. A couple of pictures right here are from just normal rainstorms. I didnt even put any Milton stuff up here because I dont need to. South arrawana and azeele. Its awful when IT rains there. Some of my neighbors are here tonight. This is just a normal rainstorm and were kind of holding our breath every time, a big storm rolls through over the summer and its really stressful for me and my family and my daughter. Flooding of the house is not only financial impact, its just -- its a huge interruption to everybodys life who has to go through IT. Just the whole process of fixing IT all and living through that mess in the heat of the summer. Your house is a hundred degrees because out all day, dust everywhere. Complete house is torn up. IT is an awful thing. I just hope were able to come to a solution here so We dont have to live through this anymore. Were zone x. We shouldnt have to deal with this. I shouldnt have to worry about not being able to pick my daughter up from an evening activity because theres so much water On Our Street that We cant leave. Also, I shouldnt have to wait wherever I am picking her up to be able to go home because I cant Access Our Street. Its just stuff We shouldnt have to deal with in a nice -- I love our neighborhood. Love the area. In my opinion, one of the best pockets of Tampa six months out of the year. The other six, its not -- its just -- invokes a lot of anxiety and just not something I feel like We should be living with ten years later after weve known theres been a problem. Im here to ask for your support for this transfer of money and thank you for your time.
Alan Clendenin 5:25:00PM
Thank you very much. Have a good night. Next speaker, please. Im Gwen Graham. I am actually here to speak on behalf of the Arrawana and azeele area. Ive had a couple of neighbors and fellow neighbors speak already tonight. I personally did get flooded as well in Milton. And IT was an awful experience. Just like greg just mentioned, financially, emotionally, but im not really here to speak too much on my own personal experience with Milton. I want to more so focus on the impact IT has as a Community. My daughter attends Mitchell Elementary. As you know, where azeele and Arrawana is, IT is about a two block walk. Every day I walk to school and also pick her up from school and bring her home. Along The Way home and to school, youll see many kids, different ages walking to and from school by themselves. Its heartbreaking and terrifying to think about the children having to cross over azeele when we have experienced such drastic rains. That was mentioned earlier today that IT doesnt have to be a hurricane. IT doesnt have to be a drastic, crazy storm coming through. Our Specific Street within about a 10 to 15 minute rain will be completely flooded. All of the trash cans are floating down the river, which we call IT the Arrawana river. And cars have water well over their tires. Like I said, thats after 10 or 15 minutes. I have a video. I will spare you the time. Just in December, which we had zero rain. Its a very dry season. Ten minute rain and looking at Our Entire Street flooded. Theres no reason why there should not be room for this water because the drain system and everything should be very clear at that point. Focusing on the children, The Community, the drivers on azeele, seeing them stalling out one after another, getting out of their cars with moving traffic, IT is a very hazardous situation that were dealing with. On behalf of The Community, not just myself personally that was affected by Milton, but also the kids that are walking to and from school and the public safety overall. I really appreciate your time. I hope you take this into consideration when you are looking at the approval of the funds for the project. Thanks so much.
Alan Clendenin 5:27:19PM
Thank you. Have a good night. Pamela. Ms. Cannella. I just wanted City Council to understand about the zom pond. Thats why im here again. Because its important as part of this project. Youre not going to get any flood relief in the Palma Ceia area without addressing the hospital pond and the zom pond. The zom pond receives all the water north of horatio between audubon and Armenia. Travels down horatio to audubon, which is the drainage storm drain system that goes to two outfalls. One All The Way down euclid and the other to Bayshore, but IT also goes down to the swann pond down swann. My point for all this, if you dont address that, along with the other pond, and you put a 10 by 10 box culvert up audubon, you can see, youre going to interfere with that drainage system thats there. You cant try to fix one without fixing the other. Because that leaves that whole area vulnerable again for flooding. I hope you can understand that. Made IT as clear as I could. About the funding, the funding amount for the project just doesnt add up. The numbers dont add up. Residents need to know that there will be funding for future projects in their neighborhoods as well, not just one. So without threats of higher taxes. Thats all ive got to say. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:29:16PM
Thank you. Michelle. My name is Michelle Mastrototaro. I was a part of Helene. Etta, idalia, Debby. I do not just get surge. I got flood, too. I feel the lack of maintenance in every area of South Tampa is the cause of all this flooding, yes, infrastructure too. Overbuilding. But I think if they had maintenanced everything The Proper Way, this would have alleviated a lot of catastrophic issues that have now played. I looked over the diagrams of the plan they want to do. When you look at IT, its not a fix. Its as someone said, 70% fixed. Its not even a hundred. We are going to be putting a hundred million or plus into a system that is not guaranteed and why single out one project in one neighborhood when people have been -- ive been since 2020 begging for a solution in my area, and I went unheard and there was nothing done. I lost everything in '24. So there was three years I could have had help. So when I look at IT all, make IT fair for everybody. If all this is allocated, theres no hope for anybody. So I think they need to go back and figure out An Easier Way, a better solution, so businesses are not going to be affected. Homes, employees wont have loss of jobs. There has to be a better solution and this is not I feel a solution for what the plans are for South Tampa. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:31:38PM
Thank You. Steven. Steve Michelini. The issue isnt really whether or not they should provide the City with stormwater relief. The issue is how do You provide IT and provide IT in the most economical And Fair Way? No one has gotten up here, certainly no one associated with the Businesses, and said kill the project. They said find a Better Way. Find one that is fair and that is not -- and that does not disrupt everybody up and Down Howard Avenue, doesnt destroy the Businesses, end up having to lay off thousands of employees, including all of the ones All The Way from swann down to the Bayshore. Two high-rise condominiums. There are no parallel streets. So You cant get access All The Way from Mississippi All The Way up to morrison, no parallel streets. Whats going to happen? Route all the traffic through the neighborhoods, if You can get IT there anyway. You cant get fire protection, cant get ambulances. No Solid Waste, no provisions for customers to get there. Whats sad is that youre taking the hopes and dreams of these people who believe they are going to get a solution and they are not going to flood anymore. Youve heard the City say youre still going to get flooded. Youre still going to get flooded. IT is a minimal project for a hundred million dollars, and IT will not solve the problem. The economics dont add up. You dont have the money. They didnt get the $25 million grant. They put IT on the budget. The $10 million that You talked about last week has a $54.9 Million matching requirement. And that is a reimbursable grant. Thats not cash given to the City. You have to spend the money first to get IT back. I would urge You to look at the bond covenants or have the staff look at the bond covenants and assure You unequivocally that You can move money from one bond for one activity and move IT to another. IT seems like every time we come in here and im sympathetic to the neighbors who want relief, but have to have relief in an honest, fair, and very outright manner. Not moving this and moving that so You cant hardly keep up with what the latest plan is. And thats what happens. The financing is a shell game. IT simply is, as I said earlier, voodoo economics and zombie planning. IT simply doesnt work. Thank You.
Alan Clendenin 5:34:18PM
Thank you, Mr. Michelini. Annelise. Anneliese Meier, Parkland Estates. Ive got tons of notes here. I wont be able to talk about everything, but I am going to say this project has nothing to do with the flooding of the neighborhoods. IT has everything to do with making south howard a nice development area. Lets face IT, the mayor already said its not going to help anybody in a hurricane. Youve heard that. She said IT more than once. She said IT on tv. We had a hurricane. But we can do something to help people in the north part of my neighborhood and Palma Ceia pines with other flooding. The audubon pond was added back on two weeks ago. Doesnt matter. IT is an obsolete pond. IT is filthy. IT has not been cleaned since 1992, over 30 years ago, when was built. I dont know how much muck is under there. They went ahead and they took the water out last week. You know what they did with IT? They just took IT Across The Street and dumped IT right back into the storm drain. Went out into our bay. Pam showed you pictures this morning of the trash can, they need another trash can. A trash can Across The Street by the zom pond. I dont know why the city hasnt looked into that. Could get another trash can rental out of IT. Trash everywhere. Pam brought up the zom pond. You have a ridge right there. You have two ponds directly Across The Street from each other. I flooded in my backyard and my shed. I dont live by audubon. I live over to the east of Armenia. Armenia was a Huge Highway of water. All this water is coming from the north. Palma Ceia pines, most of IT is in something called The Cleveland Street basin. Thats not even being recognized here. Applied Sciences is currently doing a watershed project for you and they put Resilient Soho on there. There is no watershed called Resilient Soho. They are not studying IT again. IT needs to be studied because most of the houses were built right after 2000, and a lot of town houses were built right after covid. All of them flooded. Does the City Engineering Department not let people know they are in a low area? I know they do. I know a lot of these people were supposed to put in french drains and a lot of them did and IT still failed. Look north, up to Azeele, one of the neighbors who said I misquoted him, I didnt quote him, he did say the water is coming from Azeele. Its not even coming from Palma Ceia pines. They are dealing with flooding thats not their water. Parkland Estates is dealing with flooding thats not our water. The problem comes from Kennedy. IT comes from that area. And Kennedy is being worked on right now by The State. Is the city talking to The State? I doubt IT. Let me show you one thing here. Our City cant even get the names rights of directors. This Director has been gone for years. Yet SWFWMD. Is still addressing letters to him. Letters that were never answered in the last 12 years because this thing was out of permit for over 12 years.
Alan Clendenin 5:37:30PM
Thank you, Annelise. Have a good night. 1205 North Franklin Street. Correct one thing said this morning by the Kimmins Gentleman, since I represent the Epicurean hotel, the hotel directly behind the hotel is the crosstown expressway. Theres No Way of getting in and out. Theres No Way of bringing people in. The hotel will effectively have to shut down. But he did mention something which I found rather curious and I asked the owner. He said he was going to redirect traffic through the parking garage and around the back of the pool. I looked -- I asked him, is that true? He said I know nothing about that. They are not going to Redirect Howard Avenue traffic through the parking garage at the Epicurean and around the pool. I dont know where that came from. I want to correct that. You might want to ask how that came into being. There is a lot of misinformation going around here. The main thing -- ill say IT again and say IT again, we do want to correct the flooding problem here thats going on south howard. Question by one of the council people today, ID like to see an alternative to what this one project has come down to be. And all the restaurants and hotels up and down howard are served by large trucks, not semitrucks, but smaller trucks. Not vans, small trucks, but big trucks. When you shut down howard in either direction around each facility, they will not be able to get their food, their provisions from Cisco and other places that they get service from. Thats why were saying the restaurants, even the Gentleman, spent a couple million dollars to Fix His Place up is going to be shut down. He spoke with you this morning. I just want to be very cautious. There are thousands of employees that are going to be affected that are not going to have a job during that period. They are going to be laid off. And, again, if a contractor tells you IT will be too much to do something, you can add another month or two on top of that. The cost that you are facing right now is going to end up doubling because despite what youve heard, we do have the opportunity to file a claim and we probably would exercise that as well. Thank you. Appreciate IT.
Alan Clendenin 5:40:01PM
Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hello again. Robert Kelly. 40-year resident of parkland estates. I was before you this morning. Heard a lot of comments this morning and this evening from opponents to the project. They are stoking a lot of fear. Franklin Roosevelt famously said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. I implore you, dont be fearful of the fear. You heard presentation this morning from staff that this project will increase the capacity that is sorely needed in this area to take care of stormwater that occurs virtually every time IT rains in the summer and floods swann, floods fountain, floods all these other roadways. You were shown a funding plan by the CFO. Kimmins explained how the phased construction means that businesses will only be impacted from four to six weeks. Wont be thousands of people laid off. In a given segment of this project. Only the businesses that are directly affected, and we dont know what those businesses will be doing. The bottom line is this project has been needed for decades. Youve got a project before you. Youve got funding available. I implore to you pass a resolution tonight and transfer that $21 million into this project. Thank you very much.
Alan Clendenin 5:41:24PM
Thank you. Next speaker, please. My name is Susan Colziki. A resident of Palma Ceia pines. Im representing myself and my husband who cant be here tonight. Our home flooded in hurricane milton, and I am begging you to support this project. There are many others who are not here. I was not here this morning, and I think you underestimate how many of US have been affected by the flooding, not just in the last year, year and a half, but many years, as youve heard. Were normal citizens. We pay taxes. We thought we bought a home in a smart area because IT was flood zone x only to come to find out the city, the City Council, I dont know who, has admired this problem of funding in the general area for years and years. You have encouraged development. Its great, but that development has also contributed to making our communities a lake. And I think you have a moral responsibility to ensure that the infrastructure supports the development that supports this city. This is a basic responsibility. And I dont think theres been a better time to act. There has been lots of studies. Youve been given additional money here. Many other plans have been considered. Im glad that the plan doesnt look exactly like IT did the first time you saw IT because that means people are taking input. Are looking at ways to make the project better, and I think that is a positive thing. Quite frankly, I hope IT continues to evolve in order to help both the residents and the Businesses in this area. Nobody wants Businesses to go out of business, and nobody wants these houses to continue to flood. Surely there is a way to make all of these things work and not continue to study the project and start at step one again and do this for many more years. I dont think that this plan is a death knell for Businesses. I think, though, that not acting literally drowns our neighborhoods. Im asking you to listen to your own City Engineers who are experts and not instead to Lawyers who are paid to provide with you an agenda. I could say more but I know everything else has been said. Thank you very much for your time and your consideration.
Alan Clendenin 5:43:51PM
Thank you for your brevity. Next speaker. Im here tonight to speak on behalf of neighbors who werent able to speak earlier because they had to leave. Kelly a very nice family who owned a restaurant through the construction on dale mabry. That was a flooding area. IT was terrible. If you ever Had To Drive to Publix, or in that area, IT was really bad. They said firsthand knowledge, they said IT was amazing. They were given a timeline, and that timeline was strictly adhered to. They were guaranteed the construction in front of your access would be done by this point, and IT was done. Mr. Kelly specifically referenced John Zemina and said how great he was to work with because I know part of the project I think was FDOT. And part of IT was Kimmins. Is that right? Anyway, I just wanted to add that. He said he wished he could speak to the businesses and tell them, dont be afraid. This can work. And if John Zemina is working on IT, IT will probably be a great outcome for them as well as everybody. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:45:19PM
Ms. Adams, can you state your name?
Alan Clendenin 5:45:24PM
Thank you. Appreciate IT. Liz. Start with your name. I wasnt planning on speak. I sort of apologize for speaking again taking your time. I want to knowledge one of the things the paid lawyer said is not true. On behalf of the Kimmins Design that is available online, you can see that, I was a customer of Epicurean for many years. I loved their beautiful spa. I loved their beautiful restaurant, Rooftop Terrace gorgeous. I miss going there. Im very familiar with their parking. You can enter here, and you can enter here. Its just not true. This has three sections right here that are all -- this is all Epicurean. And its so carefully -- its like walking around a sleeping baby this project. The care for these Businesses is so detailed. I mean, you can see on here that this one little section right here, its like this. You have the garage entry into Epicurean here. You are not being given true information. The people are paid to come up here. Its infuriating for US to hear that they are threatening you lawsuits for damages that have not occurred. Guess what has occurred. Many, many, many millions of dollars in damages to Businesses and residences in Palma Ceia pines and parkland estates and Hca Hospital. We have so many millions of damages that have already occurred and have you seen a lawsuit? Have you seen one from any of US? No. You have not. What are We supposed to do if you kill this project? You think were just going to like roll over? Were going to be forced to sue, and thats exactly what the Businesses on howard want because then IT will just distract everybody from this project going in the ground. Put the pipes in the ground. We will go back to those Businesses. I cant say me personally, but I know my friends and neighbors love those Businesses. They love those Businesses. They send me pictures all the time of them eating and drinking there. Those Businesses are so loved that that exact love will sustain them through this project. Im sick of this. We havent sued. Dont make US. Do you understand? These are our homes. Our investments. Im done. I hope not to be back. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:48:06PM
Thank you, Liz. Next speaker, please. I spoke this morning but I wanted to make one final point before you voted. The Soho Business Alliance, which is a few popular restaurants and bars and businesses along howard, are hiding behind a name because they know what they are doing. Hurts their reputation. They keep threatening lawsuits if you approve this project but heres what nobody says. If you dont approve IT and we flood again, Insurers wont just pull out, they could sue the city after paying millions in claims to a documented, unfixed hazard. These businesses hired consultants who will collect their fees and disappear regardless of this outcome today. My family and hundreds of others live with the results of your decision every day. We dont have that luxury. Im a working father who took a vacation day to be here. My neighbors are elderly or raising young children. They cant take time off to fight businesses with deep pockets and paid lobbyists. You have the power to end century of neglect or wait for the next storm and explain why you chose paid lobbyists over families. Use your power. Approve the project.
Alan Clendenin 5:49:21PM
Thank you, sir. Appreciate IT. Tara. Tarah Bluma. Is that the right direction?
Alan Clendenin 5:49:35PM
180 degrees. IT isnt really about the project itself. This is about financial shenanigans that happen to keep showing up in the project and many other places. For a year, the public was told -- would come from the stormwater improvement assessment. [Inaudible] does the estimate include the $7.7 Million in design? Mr. Rogero funding math adds in funding sources for design contract. $98 million project or $105 million project? $20 million today -- but the timing doesnt fit. Council approved $37 million in grant by July 2023. [Inaudible] in November of 2023. And official filings from the month show the lower peninsula was not intended to receive proceeds from IT. By early 2024, $20 million of the 2023 -- were now sitting in the project -- last two years. Our next mystery, what is the plan for the $20 million once moved? The 2023 bonds put US on the hook for $24 million in interest alone. Based on the south howard project timeline, this money sit idle for years, while interest. IT was supposed to be fully used last November. Borrowed money is a liability, not a windfall. We need a system to flag and address idle debt before IT drains our budget. The final mystery, how do we get responsible. 2026 well collect -- $10 million goes straight to debt service. That leaves 6 million for new priorities. Again, these mysteries extend far beyond south howard. This presentation is not to convince you to Vote Either Way, but you should understand the origin and implications of the money you are voting on today so we can get better as we go. Please help US solve these mysteries. The $20 million can go, I believe IT can go to stormwater improvements, annual contract, in-house flooding relief and failed pipe replacement, ditch rehabilitation, Consultants, and land acquisition, box culvert rehabilitation and comprehensive infrastructure for tampas neighborhoods. So there are a lot of other places that money could go. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 5:52:32PM
Thank you. Hearing no other public comment, are you ready -- anybody else want to speak to this issue, please line up against the wall. I have a new presentation now. Im Suzanne Fernandez. Small business owner in the Palma Ceia pines neighborhood. I have 53 rental units in South Tampa, 38 of which in the south howard neighborhood. Eight of these incurred significant damage during hurricane milton, displacing eight of my tenants. I wrote checks for over a quarter of a million dollars and lost $52,000 worth of rental income. So im very vested in this problem. Ive also begin to notice we have another problem. Property at 411 South Habana Avenue is right across from the AMI pond which is under the parking deck for Hsa Hospital. IT was a football soccer field when I bought the property in 1998. So this is a picture that was taken during hurricane milton at the emergency room entrance of the hospital. The emergency room parking lot was flooded. IT the water came inches from breaching the hospitals electrical transfer switch. Thats the bottom of the door right there. The water is right at the bottom of the door. The floodwater also came close to breaching the o 2 supply. IT did breach their wellness center at 508 south habana causing 3 million dollars' worth of damage. So this flooding is not just occurring during hurricanes. Its occurring during your average rainstorm. When I originally built the buildings 25 years ago, the streets never had water in them. Now IT is an everyday occurrence after a rainstorm. The water keeps getting higher and more and more frequent. I am so concerned about all of US, Me and my neighbors. I would like you to consider this a viable option, a Viable Way that The City has come up with a plan. We havent seen anything better on our table, and we all need to work together to make this happen, to make our neighborhood safe for everybody.
Alan Clendenin 5:55:02PM
Thank you very much. That concludes public comment. Councilman Carlson, would you like to move this resolution? After we move the resolution, well talk. Councilman Viera, would you like to move this resolution? Microphone.
Luis Viera 5:55:24PM
Move the resolution.
Alan Clendenin 5:55:26PM
We have a motion from Councilman Viera. A second from Councilwoman Hurtak. Would you like any discussion? Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 5:55:34PM
Yeah, there is a lot of misinformation on both sides of this thing. I want to make sure that some facts are on the table. For a long time, there was talk about this project being out there for ten years. Maybe a couple of people had conversations for ten years, but Yuan confirmed with me yesterday, the project as IT is now started in 2022. I presented a month ago in City Council that there are plans going at least back to the 1980s that showed Palma Ceia pines was a bowl and needed to be a big retention pond there. Somebody in the past decided not to build that, and they decided not to build infrastructure, but this City Council has only had knowledge of this after 2022. To my knowledge, we havent slowed IT down. If we did, IT was less than six months. The decision on whether this should have been done or not was previous administrations, I think not even this administration. But certainly not this City Council. The other thing is some people have been told that this vote that were about to make is the most important vote. As Mr. Rogero confirmed earlier, the Mayor told people that without the vote shes going to cancel the contract. I dont think theres anybody up here including me that would want to cancel the contract. I dont know why the Mayor would threaten people like that. Even if we voted down, no reason the Mayor would have to cancel the contract. If the Mayor did that, arbitrarily I think we would vote to bring IT back because its not fair to the people here to cancel the contract. Im sorry that people were told that. Its not accurate. All were doing tonight is moving money from one account to another. Do you want to respond to that?
Dennis Rogero 5:57:12PM
Yes, sir. Good evening, Council. Dennis Rogero, chief financial officer. Yes, thank you, sir, for the opportunity to respond. Youre quite right. Its really the classic management triangle. Time, quality, cost. The three legs with the management in the middle. If one of those pieces of the triangle stretches out too long or contracts, the project is in danger. The Mayor feels that too much time of inaction has gone by. And wants and desires Council to take the next step so we can proceed with this contract. Thank you.
Bill Carlson 5:57:49PM
Thank you. Appreciate that. And then Mr. Rogero, Ms. Duncan said earlier, the big vote on this is going to be October. So thats the time when everybody is concerned, is this going to go forward or not? Even if we say no, im going to vote no, but I dont think IT will be no. Tonights vote even if we all voted no, the contract is not canceled unless the Mayor cancels IT. In October, that is the decision that will be the go, no-go decision. Over the last year, weve seen the community come out strongly. Parkland Estates and others came out and said they didnt want this to go down bristol and lake view. And at the time the city said no, no, we have to go Down That Way. Theres no choice. After negotiation, the city agreed to three choices. One of them was to go down swann. Now its going down swann instead of through the neighborhood. That is a benefit. I dont think there was any delay because of IT. But the community pushed and folks listened. Three weeks ago, I presented that Palma Ceia pines was getting screwed in this, that there was no infrastructure, and that the infrastructure in Palma Ceia pines had quietly been taken out and staff confirmed that. A week later, the Engineers put Palma Ceia pines back in. I dont know if IT was the result of US showing that Palma Ceia pines wasnt included but the fact that the AMI pond connect is there is because the community wanted IT. However, we know that the AMI pond is higher elevation than corner of habana and horatio, which has been identified since the '80s. Theres 150 or so people, especially in Palma Ceia pines who are going to flood even when this is done and there will be structural flooding as well. I dont think thats acceptable. Since the Engineers were able to add a piece of Palma Ceia pines in four or five days, I would challenge them to add a couple more pieces from phase two in. The Engineers and the Planners did not give US any real timeline as to when the money would be available for phase two. That means most of the infrastructure thats promised for Palma Ceia pines is not going to come because theres no definite plan for IT. If I was in Palma Ceia pines and my house flooded and I saw on this map that my house is going to flood again even when this is done, I would want more infrastructure in Palma Ceia pines. So the thing I would ask all of you to do, were not slowing down the project because they added a pipe in Palma Ceia pines in four days since the last meeting, lets ask for and demand more of the infrastructure in Palma Ceia pines. If that is added, and we can reduce the number of people that are flooded, ill vote for future pieces of this. But its not acceptable to me that so many people are going to flood. Because this is not -- this is not a now or never project. This is a once in a generation project. There are like 19 other neighborhoods in South Tampa and some in North Tampa that are waiting for money. They dont have any solution right now. You heard from some of them tonight. When this hundred million or 120 million, whatever IT is is spent, in seven years, if their house is still flooding in Palma Ceia pines, theres not going to be another bucket of money to fix IT. Because Palma Ceia pines will now be at the end of the line. We need to fight for everything we can get now. The last thing ill say is I pulled out, between the meetings I pulled up the list of CIT money. No project out of the 60 or so projects in the CIT thats even close to 9 million. I think one that is seven. A couple around 5 million. Average is around 250,000 for CIT. CIT can be used for too many things. Were having a discussion in a week or two to talk about the overage we have because of extra property taxes should go in. Lets take 9 million from there and put IT in this. Lets not use CIT money. CIT money we need to use on fire stations and fire trucks. There are people at risk because there are not enough fire trucks.
Alan Clendenin 6:01:39PM
Councilwoman Hurtak and then Councilwoman Young.
Lynn Hurtak 6:01:42PM
Thank you. You know, this has been an incredibly emotional experience. Today has been a very long day. Its been very emotional. I had to go leave Council between these meetings and take my dog for a walk and breathe some fresh air because there is a lot of emotion here. I think somebody mentioned IT really well when they talked about fear and being afraid of the unknown. The problem here is that we have a large group of people who have faced the unknown -- or already faced the unknown. They had their houses and their businesses flood. Its not a new thing. IT didnt just happen with a hurricane. IT happened with rains. Our obligation as a Council is to fix this. Like, our obligation is to fix IT. We have to fix IT. We differ on how to fix IT. People in the community do, but we have to fix IT. This is "the" vote because if we dont move this money, the Mayor has basically said that why spend more money planning for this. So this is the vote. I do have a question for Mr. Rogero super fast. You could come up, but you might be able to thumb up or down. Grants, by and large, in my other job, before I joined Council, grants were a thing that you got but then you had to pay for something and get that grant money in refund. Are these grants just given to US to hold onto or are these refunds? Reimbursements.
Dennis Rogero 6:03:33PM
Dennis Rogero, chief financial officer. No, IT is exactly as you described, specifically with this grant. Spend the money to get the money.
Lynn Hurtak 6:03:41PM
Okay. To me that means We have to have the money in the account to spend IT. Then We ask for a refund or a reimbursement, and They give IT to US. I have one more question for you because We talked a lot about money and overages. When IT comes to US in September, October, They are going to give a guaranteed maximum price.
Dennis Rogero 6:04:02PM
Yes, maam.
Lynn Hurtak 6:04:03PM
From my understanding, and correct me if im wrong, a guaranteed maximum price is IT. So if they come and say its going to be $85 million, thats IT. They cant come back and ask US for more money. The contractor, Kimmins in this case, has to eat any overages themselves.
Dennis Rogero 6:04:22PM
That is my understanding also. Ill defer to Legal for any particular loopholes that May exist in particular contracts. Yes, generally, as IT is described, guaranteed maximum price.
Lynn Hurtak 6:04:34PM
Thank you. Those are my questions I had for that. While this project probably hasnt been talked about since 2022, IT is a part of the 2026 project cycle for stormwater. These projects have been planned. There are still a few more left, but this is the last giant project in this particular cycle. We have known, and we have wanted to do this project. Hundreds of employees have already been affected by these businesses that have flooded that havent been able to be in their offices for nine months. The thing that struck me about all those business owners who came up here is that they didnt talk about having to lay off staff. They fought and they did what they could. Im committed to doing whatever we can as a City. I did this for the southeast Seminole Heights project. I will come and do IT for south howard as well, to come and visit these businesses even though I dont live in this area, I will talk about them. I will put them on social media. People will do that. You can count on your Council members for that. I really do believe someone who came earlier talked about how the Dale Mabry Businesses, IT might be great to get, im hoping that the City could get a group of the Dale Mabry Businesses together with the South Howard Businesses to hear what they went through and what was and wasnt successful, so that we can build from this to help with this project. This project has to happen. IT just simply has to happen. The trunk -- the 10 by 10 culverts will then create a giant trunk that other projects can then feed into as this goes forward. This is just basic infrastructure in an area that does not have basic infrastructure. And this is the job of the City. This is the job of this Council. Im supporting this project.
Alan Clendenin 6:06:40PM
Thank you. Councilwoman Young.
Naya Young 6:06:41PM
Thank You. I have two questions. You May have already asked this, but just for me so I can have a clear answer. If the Council decided to move forward with this project, after receiving the GMP in the September-October time, could the money be reappropriated again to another stormwater project in the area like You stated earlier, because only spent, I think You said south of fowler. Yes?
Mclane Evans 6:07:17PM
Assistant City Attorney. Correct. Generally, there are a few exceptions. Areas like MacDill Air Force Base that are excluded, but generally from fowler south is the central and lower capital improvement basin for the stormwater capital improvement assessment.
Naya Young 6:07:34PM
So if We decided not to move forward with the project after receiving that guaranteed maximum price in that septemberoctober time, would -- could the money be reappropriated into other stormwater project in that area? Lets say We decide that, okay, We dont want to move forward with IT. Is that a possibility?
Dennis Rogero 6:07:54PM
Yes, maam.
Naya Young 6:07:55PM
Would that require the Mayor to make that decision or could IT come through the Council to make the decision if we wanted IT to be moved?
Dennis Rogero 6:08:04PM
IT would require the Mayor to make a recommendation for approval to City Council.
Naya Young 6:08:10PM
Thank you for the questions. I just have some comments that I want to make. Im speaking for Me as a contributing member of this Council in my experience as far as with this project. I dont disagree that there has to be something done. That is not even a question. My issue with this project from the beginning since I got on Council, IT has been the transparency and the lack of consistency in my answers when im asking questions. Everything down from cost to timeline, to affected areas. First I asked questions, how much is IT going to cost. I hear right here on Council, the answer was thats to be determined. Then We have another briefing. Then We hear there are grants. Then there were some grants but those grants were denied but no one can tell Me what the grants were. I ask how much phase two will be. One briefing, could be 67 million plus. I hear today, oh, We have no idea how much thats going to cost. I hear costs could go down and, you know, the price that We have today is -- were overestimating. IT could go down. I heard in my briefings that actually IT could be more because you never know what will happen once you get underneath the ground. First, no conversation about Palma Ceia pines being in the plan. Now IT is in the plan. On the maps, IT says phase two. Phase two or future, is IT future or phase two? Because language is important, words are important. Is IT future as in hopefully We have money or is this part of phase two of the project? Yes, our job is to address stormwater and ensure safety, but We -- I think We also have a responsibility to be fiscally responsible but also to make sure that were getting all the information so that We can make a sound decision. Ill take IT back so that I can make a sound decision. Again, as a contributing member of the Council. Again, ive asked earlier, all I keep hearing is that We have explored dozens of alternatives. But I have never even seen them. Yes, I can go online and look them up. If im in a briefing or talking about a project, show Me everything. If weve gone through all the alternatives, why not share that information? Thats our job is to give everybody the information so We can make sound decisions. My frustration with this is I just want answers and I dont want answers that just tell Me what you think I want to hear. I just want the truth. Tell Me everything that I need to know and not just answers that seems as though We are waiting or looking around to make sure that, you know, We get approval to say what IT is We need to say so were not getting in trouble for saying the wrong thing. Just give Me the answers, good, bad, indifferent, whatever IT is. Im saying IT because I just need to express my frustration. Transparency is extremely important. Good, bad, or indifferent, just say what IT is and be consistent. From the time I was talking about this project up until every briefing and Council meeting, I have received different answers. So im just putting that out there so you understand where im coming from. Again, I want to reiterate, IT is not about whether or not something needs to be done. Thats not the question. Everybody knows and I think We all as a Council understand that something has to be done. Me as contributing member of this Council, I would appreciate having more transparency and consistency when IT comes to this project. Thats all I have.
Alan Clendenin 6:12:06PM
Thank you. Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 6:12:07PM
Thank you very much. I wanted to give my thoughts on this. Hearing a lot of things, I always say that in life there are things that are Black and White, right and wrong and sometimes there are things that are gray and in the middle where you have to choose the greater good. My past votes on this I think have reflected my belief on what I think the greater good is on this, which again is acknowledging the detriment like there is in any large infrastructure project, but I think stating that one side far outweighs the other. I think one thing, and We all agree on this, is that -- Councilwoman Hurtak mentioned this as well particularly with her going on a walk because of all the emotions shown. People are very, very emotional on this. Especially those folks who were flooded, both in the affected areas that this project seeks to address as well as outside. I remember a few days after Milton, I think IT was three days after Milton, huge community meeting in North Tampa. A lot of people came out. Many people were extremely angry. Very angry. Yelling, and I and nobody there who was there from the city judged anybody because if that was me, I would probably be ten times angrier. That is a human thing. All those who came tonight, shared from the heart, from experiences, being flooded, being violated emotionally In That Way, everybody, We really appreciate that because IT takes a lot of heart to talk about your deepest hurt in a public forum when you are on television. Thats certainly not easy. For me, this just comes down to a few things in terms of my past votes and what im doing here today which is number one responding to the storms of 2024. Sort of changed my views, my analysis after the storms of 2024. Looking at the basic duties and responsibilities of local government. Its public safety. Its mobility. Parks and Recreation, and stormwater issues. For me, I cannot abdicate that basic responsibility and duty on government when IT comes to storms and stormwater and in effect damn these neighborhoods to be flooded. I just cant do that. Were going to do something on this. And its something, again, I trust the experts its going to work. My rationale from this is formed not only on what the experts have said with the City Of Tampa who I choose to trust, but what my eyes saw after Milton and Helene and what my ears heard. We talked to people like We all did. I resolved after not really having a position on this project to do what I could to support IT in my individual seat. A lot of people talk about different parts of the city flooded. Its no secret that North Tampa had very historic, devastating flooding in Forest Hills, an overlooked community. 113th, very, very significant flooding. But the inclusion of one thing doesnt mean the exclusion of something else and vice versa. We can help one part of the city. That doesnt necessarily mean because another part of the city exists that We should say to hell with this part of the city. We are one city. Im not going to be parochial and go, I represent this area and therefore nothing for anybody else because one day youll have a large project that is in district seven and I dont want people to have that kind of attitude towards the good folks in district seven in the Alaska of Tampa, right? And when IT comes to North Tampa, We are doing many, many things, obviously. The purpose in a couple of weeks, well be voting on I think $2 million in additional pump investments. This is something, and I know differing opinions on how long the plan has been in the works. Been in the works for some time, whether its ten years, whether three or four years, whatever IT is. Things like this take time. I refuse to say, well, one part of the city got flooded in part because of unique issues involving pumps which again are being addressed. Therefore, im going to say no to this. To me that doesnt make any sense. We are one city, whether East Tampa, West Tampa, South Tampa, North Tampa, and I think We need to operate under that analysis. I always have, and I think thats what im going to be doing here today as well. Just wanted to share my thoughts on that. Thank you, Sir.
Alan Clendenin 6:16:18PM
Ill share some thoughts.
Charlie Miranda 6:16:21PM
Yeah. Following Mr. Viera is very difficult because he is very astute on how he says things. Let me put IT at ground level zero. You see, everyone really has four council members. The city divided district four, five, six, seven, you also have district one, two, three. Those three council members at large, also your council members in each district. You might have one that represents you directly but you have three others that can vote yea or nay on the same item. Its not about preference. Its The Way IT dug up. Going further, when you look at a Construction Company talking about this, that and the other, certainly done on time and money, let me ask the CFO, one of the attorneys upstairs on the 8th floor at this country. Dont they have a Bonding Company, once the contracts are signed they have to do what they agree to do in the contract? Yes, there is a public construction bond for this project.
Charlie Miranda 6:17:29PM
Just recently, anytime in the past, I remember one or two of the contractors, they went in fault of the contract. What happens if the Bonding Company has to hire a Contractor to do what they have done, am I correct?
Charlie Miranda 6:17:45PM
Lets take some of the fear out. We go further, what is the need? The need is that if this money is not moved, saying to the taxpayer that were not going to In Any Way help -- no matter where you are at, this is not the end of something. This is the start of something that well continue to do, Council Members, whoever is here, to look at what the need is, required and funded to get IT done. Bonding, although a lot of people say dont bond, I dont know any big business that has almost $2 billion in revenue does not bond. They all bond In One Way or another. Bonding is why, about 4.4% For 30 years. A Bank doesnt give you a loan for 30 years. Thats why we cant get IT done. The Bank interest would be much more than 4.4% For 30 years. So IT has an effect on the principal of the cost, but IT is a long run when you figure 30 years, interest rate, you are stable at that rate for 30 years. These are the things you have to look at. I heard Council Members say never want to bond. Never say never because youre going to have to face that sooner or later. Thirdly, this area has got to be done. As I saw today, they are going to not tear up The Whole Street from lets say Kennedy All The Way -- exaggerating a little bit, All The Way down to Bayshore. They are going to do one section at a time or one box at a time. Am I correct? Ms. Duncan? Ive never talked to these Council Members about all this.
Jean Duncan 6:19:29PM
Jean Duncan, administrator for Infrastructure And Mobility. Youre exactly correct, Councilman Miranda. We shared some graphics this morning, and there is a commitment by the contractor to do piece meal. Somebody described inch worm approach to minimize the impacts in front of the businesses as we inch to the north end.
Charlie Miranda 6:19:49PM
As I understood from this morning session, at the far end Of Bayshore Boulevard going north, am I correct?
Jean Duncan 6:19:55PM
Thats correct.
Charlie Miranda 6:19:56PM
One box or two boxes, whatever they can right there. And then those businesses On That Road can be used all that time from, lets say azeele All The Way south on howard, am I correct?
Jean Duncan 6:20:09PM
Thats correct.
Charlie Miranda 6:20:10PM
Thats finished, they move up. This Place is already open where some traffic can come up because -- the others can still come forward. Now the whole thing, whatever IT is, ten blocks, eight blocks, whatever IT is, is not going to be done continuously on one day from the other day to be broken up and be in disrepair that no one can walk, am I correct?
Jean Duncan 6:20:31PM
Thats correct.
Charlie Miranda 6:20:32PM
One section at a time. Take some of the fear factor out. Is IT hard on the Businesses? Damn right IT is. But its also hard on the Homeowners. Youre damn right IT is. So we have to make a decision. Are we going to fix this at all or sit on our hands and say, oh, no, I dont like IT. I dont like IT because the Mayor said something. I dont give a damn what the Mayor said. Its what is needed that counts. So my vote would be yes.
Alan Clendenin 6:21:00PM
Okay. I think we could all stipulate that we have a known problem south of Kennedy, extending south of swann of severe stormwater issues with freshwater rainfall. Because were not talking about -- one thing I want to talk about, not talking about flood zone x. That is mostly tidal surge and all, right. But we have -- x. Palma Ceia pines. Flood zone x. Similar to what we had in Council Member Viera's district in Forest Hills. They dont get stormwater surge but subjected to freshwater flooding. That is a problem anywhere you live in the united states. People had freshwater flooding from flash floods that go down mountains, creeks. People in a million years never thought they would get flooded but do. We have a problem with these intense thunderstorms that are moving over our area and they are not moving. I see IT all the time on swann and arrawana and azeele and the impact IT has on neighborhood streets north and south of swann, that, again, I think the Administration has been very clear, and I think everybody has to understand when were building this, were not building this for Helene. Were building this for a July thunderstorm where you get five inches of rain and right now all these houses get swamped with five inches of rain. And that should be an inherently government function that we provide this type of service. The problem is -- I was keeping a very opened mind and I was tentatively yes on this project for the longest time. Recently, I was starting to sway a little bit because the cost escalation. Unfortunately, we live in a metropolitan area where our tax rates are extremely low. Our support from the State of Florida continuously declines. And so our revenues are always hurt and our needs are great and our resources are small. You know living in the City Of Tampa, our playgrounds are falling apart. Parks are falling apart. Roads, when this council started, our roads were a mess. Thankfully were starting to fix that. We have sidewalks that need to be repaired. Theres so much infrastructure in this city that has been neglected decade after decade after decade. IT is a shame. IT is absolutely shameful that in a city as prosperous and as beautiful and as wonderful as the City Of Tampa that were having to pick up the ashes and try to put IT back together. We are doing a good job of doing IT. Ill tell you that. We get to the problem. Fire stations, all these things were having to do, only so much money. Guess what, we have low taxes. I know you guys dont think this, but we do. Our taxes are low. We are some lower taxed city in the State of Florida. So the problem is not, as I look at all these projects, its not that we dont need to do IT. Its can we afford to do IT. Thats what made me really nervous. Thankfully ive been convinced that with the creative work of the city team, the leadership of Dennis Rogero and Jean Duncan, the mayor and everyone else that has weighed in on this, they have been able to put together a financial plan that is not as burdensome on the City Of Tampa than IT May have been as the cost of this has escalated. Ive also been reassured that as we move forward, if we pass this resolution tonight, as we move forward, that if for some reason this grant money and all the other free money, outside money come in or money we May have paid the Federal Government coming back to US or the state coming back to US, if that money is not realized, this project is not going to be doable, and well have that -- that question will be answered either yes or no when we get the maximum price from the Contractor this fall. Its not about whether this project isnt needed. And its not whether the project -- the project is needed. Theres no reason in the world that all these houses should have been flooded and all these families should have been displaced. I also think, and Councilwoman Young, unfortunately you werent here for a lot of that discussion when we talked about routes. This council insisted IT not go through parkland estates. I LED the charge. Bill Carlson was on that as well, ensuring wouldnt go down bristol because the impact IT would have on the historic neighborhood and trees. We fought that and won. We also looked at other options, down swann and all the other areas. They were not practical. They didnt work. Unfortunately, theres going to be some impact, but I think the Contractor and this team has worked diligently to try to mitigate as best as they can the impact that its going to have on the businesses that its going to do. Councilwoman Hurtak highlighted theres been a lot of businesses impacted by this. This is a need. I think we can afford IT with the plan that has been brought forward and ill end IT at that. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Councilman Viera, we have a motion from Councilman Viera, and we have a second from Councilwoman Hurtak. Would you please do a roll call vote, please?
Alan Clendenin 6:26:27PM
Microphone.
Naya Young 6:26:30PM
No.
Luis Viera 6:26:32PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 6:26:33PM
No.
Charlie Miranda 6:26:35PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 6:26:37PM
No.
Lynn Hurtak 6:26:39PM
Yes.
Alan Clendenin 6:26:41PM
Yes.
The Clerk 6:26:42PM
The motion carried with Young, Carlson, and Maniscalco voting no.
Alan Clendenin 6:26:49PM
If you were here for one, We have people downstairs here for other items tonight, if you -- if you still want to watch City Council and see our smiling faces, if you go down to floor two, you are welcome to do that. Otherwise, go home and have a cocktail for me. Why dont We take a 15-minute break? Well have a 15-minute break. Well be back at 6:45. [Recess]
Charlie Miranda 06:48:34PM
Here.
Guido Maniscalco 06:48:38PM
Here.
Bill Carlson 06:48:43PM
Here.
Alan Clendenin 06:48:44PM
Here.
Clerk 06:48:45PM
You have a physical quorum.
Alan Clendenin 06:48:48PM
I would like a motion to open the 5:01 public hearings. A motion to open all public hearings. Can we -- is that right? Is that good? All public hearings.
Charlie Miranda 06:49:00PM
Yes, Sir.
Alan Clendenin 06:49:01PM
Motion from Council Member Miranda. Seconded by Council Member Maniscalco. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. Ayes have IT. Item number 2. Who is going to present?
Katrina Corcoran 06:49:13PM
Katrina Corcoran, Planning Commission staff. CCTV should have my presentation. Will you bring that up?
Alan Clendenin 06:49:25PM
I see IT. Put IT on the public monitors as well, please.
Katrina Corcoran 06:49:29PM
Good evening, Katrina Corcoran, Planning Commission staff, and this is a text amendment for several portions of the comprehensive plan. This text amendment includes recreation and open space. Recreation and open space section ensures that tampas Parks and open spaces are successful while maintained with environmental and community needs. Also includes capital improvements, which outlines how the city prioritize capital projects for long-term health. And Solid Waste for managing waste efficiently. Intergovernmental coordination is how the city works with ther agencies to address shared challenges such as transportation, environmental protection, and school planning. And finally, the definition section, which establishes cleared shared language to guide implementation of the plan. This was transmitted to the State following the October 30 City Council hearing. No objections received from the State. As a reminder, the Planning Commission found tacpa 25-06 consistent with the Tampa comprehensive plan. This concludes my presentation, and I am happy to answer any questions that you May have.
Alan Clendenin 06:50:43PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none. Anyone in the public who wishes to speak to item number 2, file number tacpa 25-06? Motion to close from Council Member Young. Seconded from Councilwoman Hurtak. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. Ayes have IT. Councilman Carlson, read item number 2.
Bill Carlson 06:51:06PM
Move item number 2, file number tacpa 25-06. The open space, capital improvements, Solid Waste, intergovernmental coordination definition sections providing for repeal of all ordinances and conflict, providing for severability, and providing for effective date.
Alan Clendenin 06:51:28PM
Motion by Councilman Carlson. Second from council member Viera.
Clerk 06:51:33PM
Second reading and adoption will be on February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall, Tampa, Florida, 33602.
Bill Carlson 06:51:49PM
Point of order. Do you all smell burning wood up here? I have been smelling IT ever since I walked in. Maybe IT is just me.
Alan Clendenin 06:51:58PM
IT is not toast, right?
Bill Carlson 06:52:01PM
If anyone else smells IT.
Alan Clendenin 06:52:04PM
Point of information -- or personal privilege.
Bill Carlson 06:52:08PM
Point of emergency.
Quinn Steele 06:52:15PM
Quinn Steele, Planning Commission staff. Cttv. Tacpa 25-10, map amendment for 2801 east 4th avenue and associated parcels. Small scale covering 26.6 Acres to change heavy industrial to urban mixed use-60. Here is a general location map. The site is within the central district, the port activity center, and the coastal high hazard area. Here is a map that shows three similar requests filed in the May 2025 cycle. 25-09 is outlined in blue approved for umu-60 and cmu-35. And in the yellow in the center is the site we are looking at right now. 2510 in green to the south is the next item on the agenda, and all total just over 50 acres. Surrounding context, these are numbers I presented back when 25-09 came around. 6100 acres of spill from land remaining and 3340 acres for future development. If all three were approved, this cycle alone would be half of all the industrial land the city has lost in the past decade. This here is an aerial photo of the subject site outlined in yellow. North of adamo and south of the CSX rail line. Runs along the eastern and northern boundary of the site. The red dashed line is the heavy industrial designation to the east developed with uses such as warehousing, cremation center and urban, local district, and CRA. To the west is a mix of residential, light industrial and commercial uses, and just out of frame to the southwest is ikea. Here is a photo looking east on east 2nd avenue. Subject site on the left. On the right is the planned amendment site for 1709 approved for umu-60 and remains vacant. East 4th avenue toward the subject site. Looking north on east 4th avenue to the subject site again. Looking north at the intersection of east 5th avenue and north 26th street west of the subject site. And looking south on east 4th avenue near the selmon connector, the CSX rail line that runs along the eastern boundary of the site. This site is currently designated heavy industrial surrounding the south and east. There are umu-60 to the south, which are planned amendments including the 85 apartment complex and the others are vacant. Umu-60 parcels to the north through Ta/ca 25-09. This is not reflected on the adopted map and there is a copy if needed. Ikea Store to the cmu-35. And to the west, and further north is r-20. The green line shows the boundary of the coastal high hazard area that covers the entire site. This map shows the proposed land use designation as umu-60. One of the higher mixed use allowing development up to 60 dwelling units per acre and .25 Far. Residential development is prohibited, but the site May be considered for 1.3 Million square feet of nonresidential uses. Proposed umu-60, allow 1200 dwelling units or 2.9 Million square feet of residential and nonresidential. If approved, IT will have residential uses and remove potential for industrial across the site and more double than the intensity and overall. Agency reviews including an objection from the City Of Tampa. Additionally, the EPC raised concerns of compatibility, including a crematory, and School Board noted that Blake High School is expected to exceed capacity. Planning Commission staff recommended the amendment be found inconsistent due to the concerns of industrial lands within the port activity center and increased density with the Planning Commission board found IT consistent with the policies of planned households and employment growth. With that, Planning Commission recommends that the proposed map amendment be consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Tampa comprehensive plan and I am available for any questions.
Alan Clendenin 06:56:56PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none. Applicant? As Quinn mentioned, a bit of a continuation of a comp plan amendment we brought before this Council back in October of last year. At the time, we were referring to that as "place one." Since then, those plans have been filed in an associated pd-a, and I will mention that in just a minute. This is the area the land subject to the comprehensive plan amendment that we are bringing before you this evening. As Daryl alluded to back in October, this is the planned site for the expansion of Tampa General Hospital. So this policy showing up on screen is part of the comprehensive plan. This is the only reason that we are filing these amendments, all three of them. The one that was approved, this one I am presenting right now, and then the one I will present after this. The industrial land use categories have a blanket prohibition on residential uses. That is the only reason why these applications are filed is because we want the ability to consider housing on this land, whether IT be in the immediate future or down in the future, once tgh, etc., Has been developed in this area. So we believe very strongly that this is in the path of growth for the city. And that is just not belief but evidenced by the construction that we have seen in this area. Encore has brought hundreds and hundreds of residents to the central park CRA, the gasworx development, and the first multifamily building has 500 residents living there. We are really rejuvenating Ybor City. With the latest pd-a we filed for what this Council Approved For Place one, that will come in May of this year with a development footprint of up to 2.8 Million square feet up to a little over 2,000 apartment units here. This is going to be an area where we feel this is better suited for housing. And semi remnant pieces of industrial designation are no longer compatibility here. We have showed this slide a few times, and you May have IT memorized. UMU, commercial intensive, and CI uses are consistent. And this is really important because many of the uses that we refer to as industrial are still allowed here in the umu-60 category. So the use that will be lost under this -- you will see in red on the right side of the screen -- are those traditional heavy, heavy industrial uses: storage, hazardous materials, junk yards, and landfills, etc. This next slide is the same just displayed in this format. Permitted uses from the land development code, that column that is outlined in dashed red is the commercial intensive or the CI category. This bulk of uses that you see on screen, you will be losing these uses with the amendment to umu-60. We strongly, strongly feel that the ability to consider residential uses to consider housing on this land provides a much greater public benefit here in this area than these uses you see left on your screen that are, quote, heavy industrial uses. There were some inconsistency raised in the staff report and ill take a few moments. We talk of industrial preservation and how many of those uses will be preserved with an amendment to umu-60. We noted this before too. We think there is a somewhat of a false mirage that this industrial employs hundreds and hundreds of people. That May be the case at one time. IT is an antiquated view because viewed as these factories with hundreds and hundreds of these employees are no longer the case in modern society. With the technology we Have In Place now, they are not employing the same amount of people that they used to and addressing that employment generating fact is important. That mixed-used development creates jobs too. We are fortunate to represent some large industrial developers. They are all moving to the county. Moving to the eastern Hillsborough County. Moving to polk county, to hernando. They need more land for their footprint and operations, and the land in Tampa is expensive and makes sense that you see this trend of them moving eastward. We mentioned this before that the selmon is a barrie, but Councilwoman Hurtak, you mentioned residences on the east side of the selmon. And a larger warehouse footprint as you move further east in that aerial there. I want to address the coastal high hazard. Robust discussion about this as well. Two main important factors if the coastal high hazard areas are shelter and evacuation timings. This site is very different than a site on the corner of Interbay and manhattan. Access to the thoroughfares, selmon, i-4. 275 up into brandon, and this land has access to get out of Tampa in any kind of hurricane and storm. We have also mentioned this before too. When we talk of coastal high hazard, we address resiliency. As we all know and seen first hand in the couple of years, newer buildings that survive and these major storm events and the older buildings are the ones we have to worry about. Newer buildings are required to be built for building code, and they are storm-ready by design. As Quinn mentioned, we went before the Planning Commission board back in October of last year, and they voted to recommend consistency and pass this on to this Council. So with that, that ends my presentation, but I am going to bring up Darryl Shaw to bring up a few words of his vision for the portion of east ybor.
Alan Clendenin 07:03:18PM
Good evening. Darryl Shaw with casa ybor. I thought I would take a few minutes to describe how this parcel, this comp plan amendment fits into the vision of the revitalization of the Ybor City historic district. The vision for the district is ultimately a residential district supported by retail along 7th avenue. Maybe some additional retail, neighborhood retail, and an employment base. A place for people to go to work where they can walk to work, where they can bike to work, much like ybor was in its previous years, where you have people working in the cigar factories. Those cigar factories were the employments centers for the people who live in the neighborhoods. This comp plan amendment is -- is being requested in support of Tampa General Hospital, a significant employer in Tampa that is out of capacity on davis island and looking to establish a low acuity hospital in the urban core. And this -- this hospital is a significant employer and will allow people to live in the neighborhood and live in the district, walk there, take the streetcar there, or bike there. In addition, IT provides access to health care for the East Tampa neighborhood and the Palmetto Beach neighborhoods, both who can very easily access this site via 26th street which goes north underneath the i-4 and south into the Palmetto Beach neighborhood. So we appreciate your consideration this evening. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:04:54PM
Thank you. Does that conclude your presentation? I am happy to answer any questions
Alan Clendenin 07:05:02PM
Council Member Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 07:05:04PM
I just want to say that many years ago in 19 something, I remember Ybor City like IT was. And exactly what Mr. Shaw says about employment where you live and work and play is exactly what was needed there then and what is needed there now. You have a box factory. You had a cigar factory. Continental Can and American Can company that were huge employers in that area. I want to thank you for all this.
Alan Clendenin 07:05:31PM
Council Member Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 07:05:35PM
Yes, sir. Looking at this map -- we are here in the central business district, but what I envision as -- you know, we see what is happening, ybor harbor, and Gasworx. A seamless transition from neighborhoods to neighborhood where you dont just get to the end of downtown or you get to the end Of Water Street and the Channel District. IT continues on and going from -- going from the -- the dense commercial, which is here, if you want to call IT dense. And then continue on to what was mentioned. East ybor will be a lot more residential. IT is a real neighborhood, and you go from one to the next. And you dont have that barren landscape in between. Because we had that because of so many factors over the last 50, 60, and 70 years. I am glad to see this before US. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:06:26PM
Maybe this a question for -- I will go last. That is fine. Protocol.
Bill Carlson 07:06:37PM
I dont know if this is question for you. You talk of "industrial land," and I have a concern of giving up industrial land also. Because eventually, where are people going to work? I think if you look across from gasworx All The Way to ybor, east ybor. There are a large percentage of offices. Daryl mentioned that more and more people are moving in. But also Creative Industries are moving in, Tech Firms, Defense Contractors, and others. Could one of you give US an idea of -- of what percentage of the space in those three districts is available for people to work in still that is not -- might not be industrial, but what percentage of space could people have jobs and companies? Councilman Carlson, could you clarify what percentage and what geography?
Bill Carlson 07:07:37PM
I know a lot of office spaces.
Bill Carlson 07:07:42PM
In properties that you all control. Can you give US an idea -- if we are getting rid of some industrial space, but you also have office space left. And there are Tech Contractors and Tech Firms going in there. So I think IT is a trade-off because you are moving through the economic chain of jobs in ybor. Percentage. What we are seeing is a significant interest in office in ybor. Really for sort of placemaking environments in Tampa where we are seeing office interested in moving To Water Street, Armature Works, midtown, and Ybor City and really about recruitment and retention of a employment because they have the ability to walk to work, and they have the ability to go out to work and come back to the office or the ability to go to happy hour afterwards and we are seeing those tech industries moving in. Just moved into ybor. We are seeing a number of Military Contractors move in. IT is easy access to the base. Easy access to south county where many of the personnel live. And so there is a significant demand. And so, yes, while I acknowledge there is loss of industrial land, you raise a good point. And that is that IT will -- IT will be substituted by a lot of employment, a lot of growth, and a lot of opportunity for people to live in the area.
Bill Carlson 07:09:06PM
My numbers May have went up. But Ashley Furniture has a significant presence.
Bill Carlson 07:09:16PM
Can I ask an interesting question in the area. A lot of My Friends were followers of the Junta Farm. I havent seen IT in couple of years. Is IT still there? Is IT to the East Of The Highway? Maybe between 10th and 11th.
Bill Carlson 07:09:38PM
In this area or outside? Yeah, IT is outside of this area.
Alan Clendenin 07:09:44PM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 07:09:45PM
Thank you. I have a question for staff. So the Petitioner put a list of uses that would no longer be allowed. Was that is a complete list?
Jennifer Malone 07:10:06PM
I have a copy of the consistency matrix off the top of my head. I am not sure -- maybe? Would you -- this is better answered by City Staff because from land development code. I dont want to state something, but we have a copy of this here to put on the elmo.
Lynn Hurtak 07:10:31PM
Hate to say this, but state your name.
Jennifer Malone 07:10:35PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff.
Lynn Hurtak 07:10:37PM
Evan, my question is the Examiner mentioned specific uses that are no longer allowed. And I just want to make sure those are the only ones that are allowed was that the full list or more.
Evan Johnson 07:10:55PM
Evan Johnson, City Planning.
Alan Clendenin 07:10:58PM
Looks like Netflix Studio will have to move out.
Evan Johnson 07:11:20PM
This will take me a couple of minutes.
Alan Clendenin 07:11:24PM
Why dont You look at IT, and we can come back to IT.
Lynn Hurtak 07:11:27PM
I appreciate that.
Alan Clendenin 07:11:29PM
Any questions?
Lynn Hurtak 07:11:31PM
That is my big one.
Alan Clendenin 07:11:33PM
This one is for Mr. Shaw. Mr. Shaw, you know im a big proponent of the streetcar. What do you anticipate -- how finalized are you with negotiations with Tampa General.
Lynn Hurtak 07:11:44PM
Part of the comp plan?
Alan Clendenin 07:11:46PM
Yes, IT is, because IT is hospital use. IT is hospital use. How far along are you? Is that almost a done deal? Acquire the land.
Alan Clendenin 07:11:57PM
Very good. For full disclosure, He talked to City Staff of expanding the contract -- or expanding the scope of the work for the streetcar extension that is further eastward in Ybor City based on this potential construction. Thank you. Appreciate IT. [Humming jeopardy theme] well, I dont know -- public comment. I dont know if that is proper because we need more information. That was me -- do you want me to sing? [Laughter]
Alan Clendenin 07:12:41PM
What can I say besides you are welcome. The problem with -- can I move on to public comment? Something he would say, you would want -- because evidence you would want to be able to address and talk about, as far as procedures. Would you like to waive your right to speak to evans comments? I will recognize you for public comment. State your name. I want to say I dont have a problem with this project. What I have a problem is in our land development code, and in our comp plan, We dont have spaces to deal with things like this. So although I totally believe that Mr. Shaw is going to do something besides 60 units to an acre of residential, We dont Have Any Way to define what happens. And We did this last week or the week before with the Marisol. There is not enough definition in the future land use to address this. I dont have a problem -- like I said, I dont have a problem with this project, but I have a problem wither giving up our industrial land, which We have lost hundreds and hundreds of acres in the last ten years. I remember when this came -- was this -- second reading? IT came before at some.-- Or some part of IT did, and Councilwoman Hurtak asked about, hey, you know, this is a big chunk. Like 50 acres between this one and the other one. So I dont have a problem with the project. What I have a problem with, We need to step back and look at the future land use so We have future land use that will actually meet the needs of the Development Community and assure the neighborhoods that they are get what they are buying into. Just like the coffee shop. We accepted cmu-35. And We still -- three or four years later, We dont have a coffee shop. And Somebody can come build apartments here tomorrow. So that is what I -- IT is not really about this project at all. IT is about the fact that We dont have the appropriate future land use to make everybody comfortable with good choices. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:14:52PM
Anybody else from the public wish to speak to this item that do not want to talk to the issue that he is tabulating quickly? I keep calling him that -- because I have a friend -- I do IT all the time. Guess what his middle name is. Ross. I do that all the time. I got IT in my head, and I cant get IT out. No pressure. Mr. Johnson. [Beeping] [laughter]
Evan Johnson 07:15:45PM
All right, Evan Johnson, City Planning. We have petroleum, recycling goods, and correctional facilities. We have got -- we have some explosive storage somewhere here. Yes, we do. Hazardous materials.
Alan Clendenin 07:16:08PM
I see that Council Member Miranda will object to this because you cant further marijuana processing in here.
Evan Johnson 07:16:17PM
Petroleum, cold storage. All right. I think -- I believe this is the list, yes.
Lynn Hurtak 07:16:38PM
Okay. Then I have a follow-up question for you. What is considered heavy manufacturing? What type of work?
Jennifer Malone 07:16:55PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. You will have to give US a minute, because that is a definition in the land development code. So we are going to look IT up right now.
Lynn Hurtak 07:17:04PM
I appreciate IT.
Alan Clendenin 07:17:10PM
Does IT matter if we have the uses?
Lynn Hurtak 07:17:21PM
I still want to know what Heavy Manufacturing is. I am very unsure of my vote on this so this will help me.
Alan Clendenin 07:17:28PM
Okay.
Evan Johnson 07:17:30PM
Evan Johnson, City Planning. Question what is the definition of Heavy Manufacturing. I will read the definition. Heavy Manufacturing is an establishment whose principal purpose is the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products including the bulk storage of raw materials that May emit noise, vibration, dust, odor, and pollutants. Manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication including large scale and specialized industrial, processing, and compounding of semi-finished products from raw material in bulk form to be used in an industrial operation.
Lynn Hurtak 07:18:43PM
Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:18:46PM
Any other questions for staff? Anyone in the public who wishes to speak to this item that havent been recognized? Can I get a motion to close? Motion to close by Council Member Maniscalco. Seconded from Council Member Viera. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. Ayes have IT. Council Member Viera, would you like to move item number 3.
Luis Viera 07:19:05PM
I move an ordinance presented for first reading consideration. Amending Tampa comprehensive plan, future land use element, future land use map -- excuse me -- for the property 2602, 2605, 2801 east 4th ave, 2701 and 2710 east 5th avenue, 2702 east 2nd avenue and folio 189483-005, 199516-0010, and 189508-0100 from heavy industrial to urban mixed use providing to repeal of ordinance in conflict, providing for severabilities, and providing an effective date.
Alan Clendenin 07:19:56PM
Second from council member Miranda. Roll call please. Everybody in favor, say aye. Opposed? Is that a yes?
Lynn Hurtak 07:20:13PM
This one is very hard because I think Heavy Manufacturing is really importan, and this is the spot to do IT. No.
Alan Clendenin 07:20:27PM
Clerk. I think we got a sense of that. Do you want to call IT, call the vote?
Clerk 07:20:34PM
Motion carried with Hurtak voting no.
Alan Clendenin 07:20:42PM
Okay.
Clerk 07:20:44PM
Second reading and adoption February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall located 315 e. Kennedy, third floor, Tampa, Florida 33602.
Alan Clendenin 07:20:57PM
Thank you. Item number 4.
Quinn Steele 07:21:02PM
Quinn Steele, Planning Commission staff. Another presentation for CCTV.
Alan Clendenin 07:21:12PM
CCTV, presentation on the public monitors. There we go.
Quinn Steele 07:21:18PM
Quinn Steele, Planning Commission staff. Item is tacpa 25-11 for east adamo. IT is small scale and to change the future land use from heavy industrial to urban mixed use-60. A general location map. The subject site is located within the central planning district, palmetto, the coastal high hazard area. Here is an aerial photo of the subject site outlined in yellow located on the south east corner Of Adamo Drive and north 26th street west county selmon connector and the main line connecting to the point. Ikea to the west. To the west is the plan amendment previously for 2510 which is currently for spill, and the red dashed line for the Ybor City urban village of residential, commercial and light industrial uses, and lastly to the south of the east selmon expressway is residential. Here is a photo looking northeast of the subject site from north 26th street -- looking north. The subject site is on the right. Looking southeast of the subject site from north 26th street looking northwest from the intersection of East Adamo Drive and north 26th street. Standing and lookin at the Ikea directly west of the subject site. This site is currently designated heavy industrial, which is in dark gray. Clear line on the east side of north 26th street and mixed use to the west. To the west, the Ikea sits within cmu-35. To the North Of Adamo Drive are 2510 and 2509 previously heard, and pockets of umu-60 plan amendments from 2017 and 2025 and south of the selmon expressway is r-10 and r-20. Green shows the coastal high hazard area that covers the entire site. The proposed land use is umu-60 and 3.25 Far. Under the current industrial. Residential development is prohibited and site will be considered for over 456,000 square feet of nonresidential uses. Under proposed umu-60, the site can allow 1300 dwelling units, 3.1 Million square feet of residential and nonresidential approved uses. If approved, IT can remove the potential of industrial across the site. We sent this out to our partners for agency review and received an objection from the City Of Tampa. And the School Board is a noted that Blake High School is expected to exceed capacity. Planning Commission staff recommended the amendment be found inconsistent due to concerns of the loss of industrial land within the core activity center and increase of density in the coastal high hazard area but the Planning Commission board found IT consistent with policies that exceeds building codes and compatible development and redevelopment. With that, Planning Commission recommends that the proposed map amendment be found consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan, and I am available for any questions.
Alan Clendenin 07:24:30PM
Does Council have any questions? Hearing none. I am kind of expecting this to just be a ditto, right? Yes. I know we have a full agenda --
Alan Clendenin 07:24:54PM
Can we have this on the public monitor, please. Summarize kind of the points that were shared in the first one to make sure everything makes IT into the record. We are filing this application for the same exact reason. Current blanket prohibition on residential uses in this area is the reason that we are requesting the amendment to umu-60. Addressing some of the same concerns raised in the staff report, first one being compatibility. This is different and unique in the sense that IT is kind of in its own pocket south of adamo, north of the selmon expressway. As you can see, given not even the plan amendment that this Council just approved on first reading but what occurred in '07 and 2017, as well as the ikea building here as well, this site is wholly enveloped by residential and commercial uses. Based on that, we do not feel that heavy industrial uses are compatibility here in the future. Moving on to coastal high hazard. Same justification. This site is also within four miles of three different shelters with very proximate access to the major thoroughfares in the city. Same thing here we believe that new development is resilient, and any future development will be adhering to Florida building code with different measures taken for that. Last one is industrial preservation. We spoken about this enough. Currently on this site what exists is a warehouse -- warehouse in both light manufacturing is allowed in the umu-60, and I want to make that clear that the uses that exist on this site today are permitted with this amendment to umu-60. With that, Planning Commission board found this application consistent, and Daryl wants to share a couple of brief words about this application as well. We are seeing significant interest of large format retailers at the Ybor City district, the urban core. We do not currently have the ability to accommodate them within the historic district given the smaller grid size. Many developments these days are moving in the mixed use direction. We are seeing that in gasworx. We can see that in ybor harbor. Ybor City is mixed use. This site west is the crosstown connector. You see on the map bounded on the east side by that crosstown connector. We believe this is an integral parcel -- part and parcel of the district. And so we are therefore seeking umu-60 to allow for the mixed use development in the future.
Alan Clendenin 07:27:50PM
Thank you. Council have any questions? Hearing none, does that conclude your presentation? Happy to answer any questions.
Alan Clendenin 07:27:59PM
Thank you. Anybody in the public wish to speak to this item? Motion to close from Council Member Miranda. Seconded from Council Member Viera. All in favor, say aye, opposed. Ayes have IT. Council Member Young, would you like to read this item, please. Item number 4.
Naya Young 07:28:16PM
File number tacpa-25-11. Ordinance being presented for first reading, ordinance amending the Tampa comprehensive plan, future land use element and future land use map for 2703, 2715, 2801 East Adamo Drive, 1101 north 26th street and 508, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1120, north 28th street for heavy industrial usage.
Alan Clendenin 07:28:50PM
A motion from Councilwoman Young. A second from council member Miranda. Discussion? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 07:28:56PM
Yeah, this one is a lot clearer for Me. I dont think that We should have residential that close to that -- that to Me is a bridge too far. I dont think We should have residential in that area. So I am not going to support this.
Alan Clendenin 07:29:11PM
Any other comments? Any other discussion? Hearing none. Roll call on this one, please.
Bill Carlson 07:29:17PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 07:29:18PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 07:29:20PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 07:29:22PM
No.
Naya Young 07:29:24PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 07:29:25PM
Yes.
Alan Clendenin 07:29:27PM
Yes.
Clerk 07:29:28PM
Motion carried with Hurtak voting no.
Alan Clendenin 07:29:31PM
Thank you. >.Clerk: Second reading and adoption February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall, located at 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, third floor, Tampa, Florida 33602.
Alan Clendenin 07:29:48PM
Do we get a number five? Well.
Alan Clendenin 07:29:55PM
CCTV, You are up.
Quinn Steele 07:29:58PM
Quinn Steele, Planning Commission staff. This item tacpa 25-14. Map amendment for 7409 South Manhattan Avenue and 4436 West Richardson Avenue. Small scale and request from residential-10 to residential-20 future land use designation. A general location map. Subject site within the South Tampa district, Port Tampa neighborhood, and the coastal high hazard area. The subject site outlined in yellow. IT is part of a historic landfill site, and to east is MacDill Air Force Base. IT wraps around single-family detached homes along west richardson. Further northwest and southwest are primarily single-family detached and limited single-family attached uses. Photo looking north on West Richardson Avenue looking torward the subject site. Looking east, the subject site is on the left. These are the existing single-family attached homes along West Richardson Avenue. The city owns the parcels to the north being used for dumpster storage and east on South Manhattan Avenue toward macdill. Adopted future land use map has the site residential-10, which is to the south and the west. North, west, east, and south public lands. Further north is light industrial. The four CMU parcels are city owned and amended through a 1998 plan amendment that allow the development of a golf course that never happened. Lastly, portions are in the coastal high hazard area, which are shown by that green line. This map shows the proposed residential land use of residential-2, under the current r-10 designation. Site for 32 dwelling units or 49,000 square feet of nonresidential uses subject to locational criteria. The site May be considered for 64 dwelling units or over 70,000 square feet of nonresidential uses that are also subject to locational criteria. Proposed r-20 is the increase of density and intensity and allow for multifamily uses. Any nonresidential uses will be subject to criteria expanded under the r-20 designation. The City Planning Department and Land Development objected to or found the request inconsistent with residential density within the coastal high hazard area. Planning Commission staff recommended the amendment be found inconsistent due to concerns of the compatibility and increased density in the coastal high hazard area and Planning Commission board found IT consistent with the adequate supply of housing. The Planning Commission finds that IT consistent with the goals, policies of the comprehensive plan, and I am available if you have any questions.
Alan Clendenin 07:33:04PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none. Applicant. Pressman, st. Petersburg. I do have a powerpoint for you. This is tacpa 25-14, res-10 seeking res-20 with a companion rezoning not tonight but scheduled in the future. I will say to you, Council members, as I begin an unusual set of circumstance with a mix of issues that are singular and unique for this particular site, which I will walk you through. As the staff indicated to you, the Planning Commission board voted consistent. And the staff is presenting this as consistent as well. We are located very near MacDill Air Force Base in the south part of town. This is the site located in the star. You can see MacDill Air Force Base. You can see to the north area that appears different than the rest. That is because IT is a Tampa landfill abutting to the north. So the site is composed of two parcels that you can see here. And I think IT is really important we were at the Planning Commission. The ex-officio representative from MacDill Air Force Base gave a veru strong support. His quote, building housing is a good idea. People need housing and causes no problems with our mission directly from the representative for the -- for the MacDill Air Force Base, sitting in with the Planning Commission giving US that kinds of feedback which we are thrilled to hear. Planning Commission Jeff Louck also followed up with that point, noting that -- quoting that housing down there -- referring to the site, does not align for the ability to people to work there. We need town homes and homes for people on that base. Also good public transit. Existing single-family homes. The site to the right. We held a community meeting, and 12 people signed in. I would say 18 to 20 people in attendance. When you look at the future land use categories, you see that blue is the most prominent color. The site literally is found to be the north and south to be public and semi-public. To the other side is publicsemi-public. And you have cmu-35 intensive category to the south. But those are intense categories. They allow high density of vertical mixed uses, single use commercials, and a wide range of intensive uses. Publicsemi-public have no far. Or dwelling units and proposed for large facilities like MacDill Air Force Base, parking structures, government buildings, orthings of that nature. Key characteristic is to invest in large multi-story structures. Planning Commission says that the sites abutting MacDill Air Force Base, and neighborhood is established as an established single-family neighborhood. City Of Tampa more or less says the same thing characterized as single-family neighborhood. Compare and contrast that to the future land use that IT is the predominant category. Not only that the uses are the Tampa landfill and the MacDill Air Force Base and cmu-35. Looking at a larger area, Macdill is the most predominant characterization in the area. Site off to the left, and the Tampa land is off to the north. We dont agree with great respect of the Planning Commission how they see that as predominantly or completely a residential area just over to the other side of the land still a very nice single or multifamily development. Single-family on one side and multifamily on the other, which is basically what we are proposing here. This is another view of IT in the immediate area. You look at land use policies, encourages development and retention of a diversity of multifamily houses and provide a scale that is different than single-family and low density multifamily areas and can be located to the periphery, which clearly abuts MacDill Air Force Base. Changing gears, you look at the site and the City Of Tampa landfill, there have been intrusion. There have been impaction. Major consequences of elements of landfill have moved into the proposed site. And, again, we are abutting that landfill just another historical picture of IT. That is also captured by EPC. Item number 504. Not only their vesting program but their remediation programs for landfill in the area. Topo survey show how those type of elements have moved into and continue to move into in that respect. The Applicant is going to do a great thing. They are going to clean up and remediate the zoning site. And they are working recently with a directors authorization to remove and clean up the site. We do have an extensive support from Envirx and a representative here said how they will clean up the site. That is a godsend for the single-family homes. Found a one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half-foot-thick materials on the zoning site, including rubber, newsprint, ceramic tiles, petroleum, odors, etc. What we are trying to do to is to have one complete slab. Not spreading single-family homes. R-10 is single-family homes. R-20 is multifamily. We want to increase the density so there is a covering and protective element above what will be cleaned up. We will maximize impervious ground levels as Envirx indicates, provides an effective means of vapor control beneath and including the two-foot area. Maximize -- minimizing the outdoor spaces. We dont want people digging pools here and getting into a cleaned-up area and a safe and secure area. With a significant portion of the ground floor reserved for garage and utility space. Provide significant separation from any spaces that May experience potential migration. One of the e-mails you received -- the proof in the pudding. One of the e-mails, they had friends on richardson close to the proposed site, building a pool where trash was buried underground to delay their pool construction. We want to increase density and have a complete slab above US, not have people digging into the ground under a lesser density, single-family basis. We have Patricia Ortiz, aicp planner. She noted that the infill is within the brownfield site, and in addition to the coastal high hazard area. You can remember this area is inundated and not cleared up where this site May be, that will cause terrible impact not only for the single-family homes that you saw, but people in the general area. This will protect IT, clean IT up, and a godsend for the single-family homes. Looking at the coastal high hazard area. If you can demonstrate no negative impact on hurricane evacuation routes and shelter demands, that is a direction you can go to look at coastal high hazard. In this particular circumstance, only 63% of the site is outside the coastal high hazard and an a evacuation route which is the first called. Patricia Ortiz looked at the situation and saw the addition of 52 villas capped at the zoning and no substantial increase on the hurricane evacuation time. She looked at plenty of shelter space. Looked at all the evacuation routes and looked at even the regional evacuation routes that all meet standards. So she noted development of the site will not have significant impact on hurricane evacuation sometimes. Proposed step-up in land use classification for the site to be used for buildings and corresponding use of impervious surfaces. In summary, the surrounding land use support the site with respect to your Planning Commission. Comp plan policies and Planning Commission boards support IT. Macdill -- critically, the Macdill representatives support this with housing to the base. Impact and cleanup of the site land use is a critical component to clean the site to make IT good for residential, for the new residents, and for the future residents. And the chha is well-addressed by minimal density. And remediation and partial chha. I want to put this in for the record. I do have one e-mail from one of the residents of the homes that you saw that are abutting this site, noting that they live at 4419 Richardson Avenue. IT refers to another neighbor right at that abutting area. They support the clean-up of the chemicals as part of the subject file. A Developor can get this approved, and IT will be a positive of new construction and for -- for cleaning up the area and keeping IT safe. So I would like to put those on the record along with the environmental report. I would like to go back to one slide and just indicate to you where those folks are. So when you look at the aerial, those single-family homes abutting the site are the two people that I am referring to. And I think that is important consideration in terms of support for the request. With that, we appreciate your attention and consideration. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:43:38PM
Does Council have any questions for the Applicant? You look like You are biting at the bit to say something. Go ahead.
Jennifer Malone 07:43:49PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. Mr. Pressman, can you put up the slide again with the quote from Macdill representative? Thank you for recognizing me, Chairman. There was a different one. You had another one --
Jennifer Malone 07:44:15PM
Fernandez. Yes. Okay. So this quote -- now I have not -- yeah. Fernandez is on the board at this time.
Jennifer Malone 07:44:32PM
Not Fernandez. Mr. Louck.
Jennifer Malone 07:44:36PM
Not --
Jennifer Malone 07:44:43PM
To clear the record, Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. The resolution is in your package. Fernandez was not on this application. Commissioner Jeff Louck and the Macdill Air Force does not vote because they are ex-officio. I want to point out the shelter space analysis by Patricia Ortiz Aicp. Planning Commission staff did not review that. IT was not part of the application. And another one about the chha percentage.
Quinn Steele 07:45:17PM
Quinn Steele, Planning Commission staff. I do have a map here that shows another perspective of the coastal high hazard area. So IT should be a little bit easier to see this green-hatched line shows the coastal high hazard area and this upland area area here. You can see the southern portion of the site within the coastal high hazard area. We have our GIS Analyst. IT is 80% within the chha. And the eastern 34% within the chha and completely surrounded by the chha. Parcels that May include isolated areas of elevation but are fully surrounded by the chha function as part of a safety perspective. For the analysis that we did, this entire study is within the entire coastal high hazard area because an isolated area of upland and completely surrounded by the coastal high hazard area.
Alan Clendenin 07:46:22PM
Mr. Pressman, in your presentation, you mentioned the mitigation and the property. The Developer owns this property, which is added anyway. One of the piece of properties with all of the conditions, will be undevelopable, but if he was going to develop in his current future land use, he would have to do this mitigation, correct? Conditions of the property. The request is how do we best do IT.
Alan Clendenin 07:46:59PM
All right, thank you.
Alan Clendenin 07:47:04PM
Start with your name again.
Alan Clendenin 07:47:08PM
State your name real quick. Since she spoke -- say your name again. Our planner looked at the whole site and stated the 61% is outside -- the staff, I believe, was looking at two different sites. I believe that is the case. In regard with the quote, the Mr. Fernandez shouldnt have been included, but the quote from Mr. Louck and the Macdill Representative. That was an error on my part, but the quotes are still good.
Alan Clendenin 07:47:40PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none. Anyone from the public wishes to speak to this item? Carroll Ann Bennett. Cab., Cab. Call a cab.
Alan Clendenin 07:47:58PM
State your name, and You have three minutes.
Alan Clendenin 07:48:39PM
You are killing me. Youre killing me. Mr. Shelby. Back to your cage. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 07:49:22PM
Thank you, mr. Chairman. Please acknowledge your presence. Adrian Laramie. Sandy Sanchez. Thank you. Anna Murray. Thank you. Debbie Zomermaand, thank you. And Paul -- IT looks like gione -- grove. Right there. Okay. Thank you. Five plus three is eight.
Alan Clendenin 07:49:46PM
State your name. You have eight minutes. The Planning Commission staff finds the proposal inconsistent with the Tampa comprehensive plan. The City Planning Department find this does not meet the criteria for a planned amendment and finds IT inconsistent. The citys land Development Coordination finds this inconsistent and objects to this amendment. The Transportation Department says manhattan is already rated f. I want to remind you that this is a legislative item. At councils discretion, everything I am presenting is directly from the staff report. These are not my opinions. I will read the highlights, but I have included screenshots of the reports. Planning Commission staff says this will double the density from 32 units to 64 units. Planning Commission staff states the r-20 is near two collector roads that have transit service. But this is on a Local Road, and IT is not served by transit. The closest transit is a half mile away. Without sidewalks this limits pedestrian access. Planning Commission staff states the increased density is incompatible, because these are local roads with limited access to goods, services, and transit. These conditions violate nine sections of the comp plan. Planning Commission staff tells US cmu-35 to the south was a 1998 amendment initiated by the City Of Tampa to allow development of a private recreational use, a golf driving range that was never developed. Planning Commission staff states that the comp plan supports moderate increases of single-family and more intense commercial, but this public, semi-public and cmu-35 land does not do that. Staff says an undeveloped strip of land between MacDill Air Force Base without transit service. Approval could create a precedent for r-20 along this portion of manhattan, which is The Local Road within the chha. Within the chha. Increases of density in the chha is discourage $because of public safety and evacuation concerns. No route of evacuation that does not pass through the chha. The comp plan directs future population away from the chha to ensure no net increase in density. Planning Commission cites four more sections of the comp plan that this change will violate. Those of how are recounting and hopefully all of you are, Planning Commission staff states that amendment violates 16 exceptions of the comp plan. Planning Commission staff states this is within the chha and outside of where growth is encouraged. Further limits the appropriateness of increased density. The comp plan wants housing on vacant land and inconsistent based on compatibility and the location in the chha along a Local Road. Planning Commission staff emphasizes that multiple agencies have raised concerns. Planning development and land coordination found concerns of inconsistent. Increased density in evacuation zone a and increased density in flood zones. This will not proceed a functional transition between the r-10 and MacDill Air Force Base because this is primarily undeveloped buffer and is not served by transit. R-20 is incompatible with the surrounding area found IT inconsistent with the comp plan. The Planning Commission board voted consistent with a split vote. You are all aware there are problems with the board. They are unpaid volunteers, and the board is skewed with industry professionals with an agenda and a vested interest in development. And inconsistent is normal -- sorry. A consistent is normal for them, at least this one was a split vote. The City Planning Department has two criteria they must use to evaluate flue changes. Criteria one is if they meet the intent of the comp plan and is consistent with the comp plan. Criteria two asks if IT meets the requirements for increased density and intensity. City Planning Department staff find that both criteria one and two have not been met. The comp plan states that City Council May deny the amendment. City Planning staff goes on to say that even though IT is the periphery of the neighborhood, IT is not a major intense corridor with transit. But rather a largely undeveloped buffer between the neighborhood and MacDill Air Force Base, and that the comp plan directs no increase of density within the chha, which this will do. The City Planning staff objects to the proposed amendment. The citys land Development Coordination staff also finds this request inconsistent. They object to this amendment because increased density in the chha, increased density in evacuation zone a, and increased density in flood zones is inappropriate. Duh. Transportation Department says this section of manhattan is already failing. The los. Or level of service, is already an f. And they says there no roadway capacity improvements, no transportation-related projects, and no new transit services proposed in this area. In fact, the only proposal is is a tiny little sidewalk six miles away. Planning Commission staff says no. City Planning Department says no. City land Development Coordination says no. City Council, this is a legislative item. IT is at councils discretion. Please say no. Thank you.
Lynn Hurtak 07:56:27PM
Thank you. Thank you very much. Next speaker. I am active in the local Sierra Club, Tampa Bay group, taking on a board position within that group. This was brought to our board and the Sierra Club. Many of US have put in our own personal e-mails on this. And IT was formally voted on by the group. We are all in agreement that we would -- would wish you to please vote no on this item. Cpata 25-14. This is the formal Sierra Club, Tampa Bay group letter, and see on by both our -- our conservation chairs, Nancy Stevens and Will Matz. I will read the first paragraph here. Please vote no on item 5, tacpa 25-14. This request for land use change from r-10 to r-20 is not appropriate for the coastal high hazard area and not consistent with the r-10 nearby. Known to minimize damages in future storm surges that occur. Increasing density in this area will put more citizens at risk. Increases in density should only be allowed in areas that are high and dry. That repeats some of the information that you heard. And then there are references to information that was already repeated. So I will conclude there. And please vote no. I have extra copies to submit for the record. Thank you.
Lynn Hurtak 07:58:27PM
Thank you very much. Next. I am coming to you tonight on behalf of the civic association of Port Tampa. I serve as the president. Our association is unanimous in our opposition of this project. And there are overwhelming opposition in the neighborhood. I believe you received over 100 e-mails and all but one of them was against this property. You know the property is within the chha. The project is to develop between 54 and 64 town homes in a community that only has single-family homes. Introduce willing town homes here will negatively impact the fabric of this neighborhood. As stated by staff, there are no sidewalks, limited pedestrian access on a Local Road with no access to goods, services, or transit. This is Not The Place where we want to be increasing our density. But the important thing I want to talk about tonight is I was at that community meeting as they were about 15 to 18 of my neighbors. The Developer stood there and told US that He bought this property without knowing that IT was a landfill. I actually felt really bad for him. Can you imagine how terrible that would be if you invested in something and then found out after the fact that IT was contaminated? But we found out after that, that that was not true. A lot of people here tonight in this room witnessed that statement from him. And we did find out that was not true at all. You can see He purchased the property on February 7, 2022. We had phase one and phase two environmental assessments done in July and November of 2021. Here is the deed showing February 2022. Environmental phase one, July 2021. Environmental phase two, November of 2021. At the community meeting, the question also came up if IT will be disclosed to the people buying these future town homes. They stated emphatically, of course, we will let everybody know that. Keep in mind, this is right knows macdill. Most people, including my family, we bought houses without ever visiting the area, over the phone or building one day. And we dont know all of the background and information when we are buying houses like that; however, these people are actually the ones building the town homes. They are getting the land cleaned up. They are getting IT rezoned and selling to someone else. And not sure if they will be up-front of that information. Of the people that live in richardson in the eight houses, none of them knew. So let that guide your opinion. He said in his speech He was working with a directors authorization to clean up the site. I think He was recommending on getting one, because as far as I am concerned, He has no authorization today, and there should be no activity going on. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 08:01:48PM
Next Speaker.
Martin Shelby 08:01:51PM
Please acknowledge your presence, if you can. Say here, please, Heather Jordan.
Martin Shelby 08:02:07PM
Michelle Satotaro.
Martin Shelby 08:02:13PM
Jamie Defrates, Scott Defrates, Anna, Victor Demayo, one, two, three, four -- six names plus three a nine. Of all the projects I ever seen -- I have seen a lot -- more than some of you, coming from this council, this is the most deplorable in my opinion. The development of the site to the south of The City dump, which used to be the dump, The Applicant knew IT was contaminated. He stood up in the neighborhood meeting and told US they want US to know IT was contaminated when we purchased IT. Here is the dump lot. This is the subject property and the houses on richardson where people testified in the meeting they were sick of living there. This is MacDill Air Force Base. People come from all over the world to live here. They buy houses sight unseen. When they buy this house, that lot, this lot May be vacant and remember -- I am sure council member Maniscalco can remember that the nine day after, we had a story and a half of garbage and continued up into the 90-day point to collect 08:03:31pm garbage. A letter in the documents I sent you this afternoon on page 32 Of The Court documents that were filed against The City. IT says that -- that the EPC says that any impacts -- they have to do stuff before they build on IT. Not after, but before. Okay, I want to start off by showing you -- and Tara beat me to the punchline. They said -- these people told US that they did not know IT was contaminated before they purchase IT. I contacted Miss Zelman. They are talking about this lawsuit. What lawsuit, you might ask? Oh, we will get there. They paid $550,000ish for 3.32 Acres, which is probably worth $3.5 Million in South Tampa at this point. They bought -- this is the deed filing. This is in your packet dated February 7, 2022. On the exact same day, this is the first letter to The City attorney telling them they are going to file suit. So then, of course, I asked for public records. This is where I got IT. By 1/24/23, they went ahead and filed suit. Less than a year later -- lets see. Guess how much? On page 8 of 12 of the lawsuit. $575 Million. They paid half a million for IT. And they sued The City for $57.5 Million. Considering the fact that they told US they didnt know that IT was contaminated. Sure is interesting. Now this was never City land. This was never City land. And I am going to tell you right now, You Drive by that corner -- that southeast corner, you will see garbage out there all the time. The City May not have any responsibility for IT. If you look at the charts, most of the garage in the southeast. They would say the dump is closed, so they would dump IT out of their cars. So at the public meeting, The Applicant is told the neighbors didnt know IT was contaminated. They dont just store dumpsters there. Dont get confused, because they literally had two stories. The six beer can buildings full of debris was left on this site after the hurricanes. So these people can buy these properties and have no clue that they are going to come home one day, and there will be a pile of garbage two or three stories high. Page 46 the lawsuit said they want to build 28 homes. On that White paper, the first letter The City attorney. Says 28 homes. When you lose a $57 million lawsuit, you got to double the density. At the meeting, Mr. Pressman said we want you to build town house so as you dont bring in swimming pools. The Applicant interrupted him and said oh, no, we will go down deeper than that. Why are we increasing permeable surface for this kind of nonsense. Who do you think will buy this. I am absolutely disgusted -- I will tell you right now I am absolutely disgusted with MacDill Air Force Base leadership because when their soldiers, their airmen, their marines, and navy personnel are sick from living on this property, I am going to be livid. People cant live on this kind of garbage and think -- and not get sick. They just cant. This is absolutely disgusting. For them to say we need to double what we are going to build there. And when -- when asked, oh, are you going to tell people that this trash is on your land? Oh, yes, absolutely. Those eight people who live down there on richardson. They werent told. They had no clue. They werent told until they bought. Mr. Hefer who probably wrote this letter was down on this until someone stepped on his doorstep. If you tell everybody, than we will tell that you your house is on contaminated land. I wasnt there, I just heard the word On The Street. I dont know. This is -- like I said, this is -- IT is disgusting. They think IT is okay. Would you let your children live there? Would you live there? The question you have to ask yourself. If the answer is no, then dont -- they can build 28 houses today. And trust me. I own a house on manhattan, okay. I live not very far from there, okay. But I am going to let you know right now, I will do everything within my power to ensure that people who are going to buy there know that IT is contaminated. Because -- I am sorry, they can not clean up that mess. Because there is still run-off underneath the dump next door. All they did was cover IT up with dirt, more dirt, and more dirt for years and years and years. This is the most egregious project that has ever been in here. I have seen crappy properties. This one will be okay on a normal lot, but IT is also in the coastal high hazard. And the town houses they said, they are at the corner of Interbay and manhattan built little bit in 2024. Well before we had a problem with density in South Tampa so I can talk about this for days, but I am tired. And I love yall very much, but I am very, very tiered and I want to go home. This is the time to say no. You cant say no during a rezoning, because if you do, they can sue you. But you can say no now. Oh, I almost forgot. My last piece of paper. My favorite. When Mr. Pressman sent me the letter in the mail. IT says on here, Affordable Housing, Objective 1.1 To provide additional housing units to serve moderate income, low income and very low income households by 2040. These will be $450,000 or more. Sorry, not sorry, this is not Affordable Housing, and he said he was going to take IT out of the record but sure as hell on base. You all have a good day.
Alan Clendenin 08:10:28PM
Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 08:10:30PM
Mr. Chairman. I would like to bring to your attention that IT came to my attention that council member Miranda looked at what was distributed in this case. And I believe --
Charlie Miranda 08:10:42PM
Let me explain what happened. As we passed these around, I wasnt looking at IT. Mr. Maniscalco said a family members name is on one of the petitions. So I will recuse myself.
Martin Shelby 08:10:53PM
That being the case, I will prepare the form for You to be able to submit to City Council.
Charlie Miranda 08:11:00PM
I will fill out the forms.
Alan Clendenin 08:11:03PM
Very good. Anybody else in the public wishes to speak in item? Hearing none. Motion to close. Motion from council member Maniscalco --
Alan Clendenin 08:11:15PM
Oh, rebuttal, I am sorry. Disregard --
Martin Shelby 08:11:23PM
Mr. Chairman, before we begin, the Clerk has asked me to find out. Mr. Pressman, did you submit this ortiz planning solution document into the record?
Alan Clendenin 08:11:34PM
Motion to receive and file.
Luis Viera 08:11:36PM
So moved.
Alan Clendenin 08:11:38PM
Motion to receive and file from Council Member Viera. Seconded from council member Maniscalco. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. Ayes have IT. Along with something I would like to speak to you about. This request is about housing. IT is about 20 units. And because of the rezoning, if We ever get to that, IT would be about 15 units. Some of this is about housing which is strongly supported by MacDill Air Force Base. What this is telling US is that not only one, but two members made comment at one time or another. Mr. Barry was at the hearing and stated, here is a great idea. But Jeff Louck, which appeared to be a confusion, he was citing that the other Macdill officer who was not at the hearing has said many times that housing down there is not in line. Strong support from Macdill, the U.s. Air Force Base that they desperately need housing. To be at the site that is damaged and impacted by the city landfill. Brown fields are cleaned up every day. They have an environmental -- the one that spoke before her is -- the gentleman can speak to that will clean this up and makes is a viable site. We have to do IT correctly in The Best Way possible. That is to do IT as locking down that material. That then protects and is a godsend for these single-family homes. Now you heard from them. I have that in the record. Those single-family homes are thrilled that this -- they will have a secure area behind them so they are not fully impacted by the landfill. Swirling around here that We need to take into account outside the norm. Coastal high hazard. Planners closely meet the standards of the city. I also showed you that -- that the character of the area is not residential. The character of the area is MacDill Air Force Base and the land fill. IT is not residential as your staffs have presented with respect to them. With regard to who does support this that you have seen from the residents. That you have seen from the Planning Commission board who did vote in favor. And with regards to the report from our planner. We believe and strongly want to move forward to make this is a remediated site that will be safe. Regarding a couple of comments from Stephanie. I checked with our environmental expert. There will be public notice requirement for anyone who will be living on this site. That is required in that process. And, also, I was disappointed by one point. Because Stephanie then at the end brought up a comment at the original record, which I said was incorrect. IT was corrected and unfortunately, she chose to present that tonight. I am disappointed by that. But that has been present, and I wanted to correct the record. We appreciate your attention and consideration. This is housing that is needed and We need your help.
Alan Clendenin 08:15:02PM
Thank you Mr. Pressman. Motion to close from Council Member Maniscalco. Seconded from Council Member. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 08:15:13PM
Thank you. File number tacpa 25-14. By motion to deny the ordinance based on the testimony or rather -- yeah, the testimony in the staff report from both Planning Commission staff, City Of Tampa staff, and the fact that this is adding density in the coastal high hazard area. I am just going to stick with my drum tonight and no more housing in the coastal high hazard.
Alan Clendenin 08:15:48PM
A motion from councilwoman Hurtak. A second from council member Maniscalco. Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call, please.
Guido Maniscalco 08:15:56PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 08:16:03PM
Yes.
Naya Young 08:16:04PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 08:16:06PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 08:16:08PM
Yes.
Alan Clendenin 08:16:09PM
Yes.
Clerk 08:16:09PM
Motion carries unanimously with Miranda abstaining.
Alan Clendenin 08:16:15PM
Thank you. Number 6.
Jennifer Malone 08:16:17PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. I should have a powerpoint for tacpa 25-15. This is a small-scale amendment. IT is privately initiated. 136 Acres. Request before you tonight residential-10 to residential-20. In the central Tampa planning district. East Tampa urban village, East Tampa one neighborhood and East Tampa redevelopment area. Aerial of the subject site. South of East Chelsea Street. IT is out of frame on this map, But East Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. Boulevard is four blocks to the south of the site. We have the Ferrer Girls Preparatory Academy to the west of the site, and the middle magnet school to the east of the site. Detached residential in nature, and there are a couple of different housing types in this neighborhood. Excuse me, I almost forgot -- a very important point. Subject site itself is outlined in purple, the privately initiated amendment. Planning Commission staff. Publicly initiated as companion outlined in blue, and you will see that one later tonight. This is looking at the subject site near north 26th street. Looking at the subject site along north 25th. Looking west of subject site toward that middle school along north 25th. Looking northeast along north 25th. Looking south of the intersection of north 26th and east 38th. And the adopted future land use map. The site is residential-10. There is residential-20 to the south of subject site so that blue is public, semi-public. The middle school to the west of the site. Community commercial-35 is to the south. That Borders East Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. Boulevard and allow for commercial uses. Proposal will take this area to the residential-20. As we can see, we have residential-20 in the area to the south as well. The pocket of residential-10 kind of remaining to the -- to the -- like to the east was -- was a publicly -- you will sigh that one later tonight as a publicly initiated companion. This would increase the impacts from 13 units to 27 units as the maximum. IT will increase the amount of nonresidential considered under the site for 20,000 to 29,000. I do want to point out that any nonresidential would still have to meet locational criteria and will be very limited in nature that will still apply under both land use categories although broadened under the proposed residential-20 category. Planning Commission staff found this consistent with the comprehensive plan. Compatible with the surrounding area and provide a nice surrounding of density and ensure adequate supply of housing in the neighborhood as well. And with that, Planning Commission recommends consistency, and I am available for any questions. And we have an Applicant -- no objection from any reviewing staff, although I know City Staff is here if you have any questions.
Alan Clendenin 08:19:36PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none, the applicant. I understand the owner is online as well. Is that true? Steve Michelini, representing the petitioner. We worked very closely with the Planning Commission staff. And they apparently thought IT was such a good idea they included another lot and parcel adjacent to the request and provides compatibility and operations between the r-20 to the south and the r-10. Also, a roadway that is kind of in question. And let me --
Alan Clendenin 08:20:25PM
They will fix IT.
Charlie Miranda 08:20:26PM
I think I am losing my eyesight.
Lynn Hurtak 08:20:30PM
There We go. A roadway platted over here on this side. But IT is not -- IT is not finished. That will be part of the project when We come in for a rezoning. The plan is to bring town houses in here, but that roadway will be improved and brought in up to standards. We think -- We think IT is a decent project, and IT will help to provide some -- some housing in the area that is badly needed. IT is in a redevelopment area. And IT is also close to a transit corridor. IT has been a long night, and I dont want to belabor this. I dont think We had any objections. I got one phone call from a Neighbor who was happy that We were coming in to redevelop the site. I am happy to answer any questions.
Alan Clendenin 08:21:22PM
Questions. Does the owner want to say something? Mr. Monsieur. Unmute yourself, please. Mr. Ali. Are you part of the applicants presentation?
Alan Clendenin 08:21:48PM
Hold on. You will have a moment in a moment. I apologize.
Alan Clendenin 08:21:53PM
Ali. Are you on? Please unmute yourself. I was muted. I dont have anything to add. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 08:22:08PM
Thank you very much. Does that include the applicants presentation? Unless you have any questions.
Alan Clendenin 08:22:18PM
We have no questions. Okay. Anybody in the public wish to speak? Now is the time. Come up to the podium. Start with your name, and You will have three minutes. You today. I was never consulted about anything. And I have a direct interest in the overall building. Not only for myself, but for the Schools that are present in the area. So You are proposed to increase the density from 10 to 20. What type of housing is that going to be? Is IT going to be for family as soon as or for single people, 27 who will soon become 54 and then some. This is one concern. Another concern is, do we have -- the City actually has capacity to absorb this in terms of infrastructure. When the rain comes, the space for the people that move around the wheelchairs. None of that is present in the moment. I myself have septic tanks. What does the City do for that? So if You were coming and You are going to build 27 new dwellings, I want to know what the City is prepared to do for US who are already living there. And for the Schools. If You are going to have potential 54 single-family in there. You have a school for girls in front. Then You have a primary school for kids in there. That is not a safe environment for kids at all. So I think, yes, I want development. Dont get me wrong, I do. But I want IT to be for families. I want IT to be safe. I want IT to be well-done. I have seen a draft that I -- no draft ever arrived to me to have an opinion on IT. Like small apartments with single-family. And basically traffic will be a possible nightmare for everything. IT already is at some times. So, yes, I want housing there. I want development there. I want everything there. But I want IT done right. I would like for You guys -- You -- You are Politicians doing this a long time. So why multiply this to 27. Soon enough, IT will be 54 people. And then 54 cars living there and all these girls and all these other kids that are there and we have the infrastructure for this. Tanks, water. The Road is a mess. If You pass through there -- I received a ticket on behalf of them. And I have a garden in my house. So please consider this. Thank You.
Alan Clendenin 08:25:12PM
Thank you very. Next speaker. Much. My name is Devin Isette. I live immediately adjacent to the property being considered for rezoning, and I want to be clear that I am not opposed to growth or development. My concern is that this is not compatible with this spot. First issue with flooding. If you have ever been to 26th street, normal rain, a street floods up to a foot. I have a very low home, as well as some of my neighbors. Putting an apartment complex on this property will flood my home and I am very concerned about IT. Second is for traffic. Just coming in today, you can throw a rock at Lomax Elementary School. A rock at the ferrer girl school. Throw a rock and hundreds people walking at those peak hours, and adding density in this area will cause accidents. And IT is going to be dangerous for pedestrians. Dangerous for children and their parents. Third, I want to talk about the virginiana. Beautiful century-old live oaks protected here in City Of Tampa and their policies. Cutting these trees down is -- IT is terrible. You cant replace them. IT will -- negatively impact the environment and the neighborhood. And then finally, IT is the type of housing that matters here. We are rezoning IT to where there is potential to put 27 units on this small spot. If you look at a satellite image, you will see this is all single-family homes in this area. There is no apartments in this entire area. And we are going to -- you know, slap these studio apartments there. I am very concerned about that. We need to have housing designed for families. Long-term residents. Not these kind of transient residents. We have families that use the schools. Use the resources that are right by them. So I respectfully ask the Council to deny this rezonings request to protect the safety, infrastructure, and characters of an established single-family neighborhood. Thank you for your time.
Alan Clendenin 08:27:46PM
Thank you. Next speaker, please. Start with your name, and you have three minutes. And I live -- the property we are speaking about is just behind me. We have one house behind me but the lot exactly behind that one. As the gentleman spoke about, flooding is definitely an issue. When IT does rain right in front of that lot, IT is going to flood. Also, what I have noticed -- we have all noticed in Tampa -- is they take one lot, and they expand IT. What happens is they take away the soil and the trees And No Way for that water -- IT just kind of runs off. Newer housing is built up higher. So the house that is there will absolutely flood. Not only will his house flood, but the house right next door is going to flood. Also, the map showed, IT is a single-family home -- area. There arent any apartments. So I am really concerned about 27 units being in my back yard. IT is a pretty established neighborhood. As a matter of fact, my mom -- we moved there about 20 years ago. Maybe 25 years ago. And we are a newcomer. If you guys dont know already, Gwen Miller lives Across The Street from US. I am surprised She is not here to talk about IT. But, yeah, IT isnt a great idea. We also have not been told what is going to be built there. So I cant co-sign on a development that I really know nothing about. Know IT is 27 units which can multiply -- like She said to 54. Because -- you know, because the cars. I implore you guys to come by in the morning and watch the kids go to school. IT is bustling there with Middleton and Lomax, Ferrer, and buses. You have MLK two blocks away. IT is an incredibly busy area. So I implore to you please not allow them to build in this capacity. You know, we are open to -- open to development. New development there but just not -- not expanding IT to this point. Thank you for your time.
Alan Clendenin 08:29:55PM
Thank you very much. Next speaker? Start with your name, please. I reside there at 2504 east 30th avenue. And I have been living there four years. And the crime is already bad. And those kind of units will cause more crime in the neighborhood. So I propose that you not build there. Single-family families are great but the complex, I am not on that either.
Alan Clendenin 08:30:23PM
Thank you very much. Have a wonderful night. Any other comments from the public? Hearing none, we will move on with the rebuttal. I am not sure where they get the idea that apartments were being put in there. The plan is for town houses, which will be site plan control. We do plan -- and we have a general plan to deal with the drainage, to -- for the whole area. And I think I -- I dont know Hoy talked to. One of these gentlemen -- IT would solve the drainage problem in the area. But that is not what is before you. We get to this issue about zoning and land use discussions so we are asking for the ability to come back to Council with a PD plan that will address the issues that these individuals have brought up. We will make significant improvements, including bringing in the utilities that have to be brought in for the uses. And the Woman mentioned a septic tank. But we do have to -- septic tanks would never be approved for a new development. So we have to bring in the sanitary sewer lines, the water lines, and account for all the drainage. Each of those -- each of those parcels will be single-family town house owner-occupied. These are not rentals. And anyway, that is -- I am trying to kind of cross the line a little bit. I am talking of zoning regarding land use. But we got unanimous recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission staff and the City Staff and from -- from the planning commissioners themselves. So we are asking for the ability to bring in a plan that you all can look at, so we can demonstrate compatibility. We would respectfully request your approval. I think we did spend a lot of time reaching out. And I didnt hear from any of these people. Certainly will be happy to meet with them in the event the City Council approves the land use change going forward. But we separated the zoning from the land use and Council uhas been significantly stated they want them separated so you can consider them independently. We will address all of the site issues coming forward. I will be happy to answer any questions.
Alan Clendenin 08:33:17PM
Does Council have any questions? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 08:33:21PM
I have a question for staff. Can you please put up an image again of the --
Alan Clendenin 08:33:37PM
Of the plats.
Lynn Hurtak 08:33:39PM
Yes.
Jennifer Malone 08:33:40PM
I have a paper copy too if that is easier. Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff.
Alan Clendenin 08:33:47PM
Put IT on the wolf so everybody can see IT.
Lynn Hurtak 08:33:50PM
Put IT on the wolf. One of the future land use maps.
Jennifer Malone 08:33:57PM
Sure.
Lynn Hurtak 08:33:58PM
So this is attached to Residential-20 already.
Jennifer Malone 08:34:12PM
Yes, maam, correct. Attached -- IT is adjacent.
Lynn Hurtak 08:34:16PM
Okay. So I am going to ask one of the -- One Of The Members Of Public who came up to speak. I am curious where they live. You can just point on the map. All you have to do -- first, just state your name for the record.
Lynn Hurtak 08:34:42PM
Point where You live on the map? You have to do IT on --
Alan Clendenin 08:34:46PM
This machine over here.
Jennifer Malone 08:34:47PM
Is this an accurate representation on where you are?
Lynn Hurtak 08:34:56PM
So in the brown. Okay.
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:01PM
Thank you. Sir, state your name for the record, and if you can point to where you live. I live right here.
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:10PM
The orange, okay. If anybody else wants to point out, come on up. There are four of you. State your name again. This lot is entirely mine.
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:28PM
Okay.
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:33PM
Your name for the record. I think im here.
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:36PM
The Orange One?
Lynn Hurtak 08:35:44PM
Okay. So I want to say for a people who live in the brown places, basically, we are asking to turn where the orange is to the brown. So You already have the residential-20 future land use. And You are still single-family. So I wanted to make sure that You all understood that. But I wanted to make sure, because I knew there was a change in a space, and I didnt know where. I am sorry, You cant -- You have to come up. I just wanted to clarify.
Alan Clendenin 08:36:27PM
Any other questions. Does that conclude your presentation? Are you done with your rebuttal? We have a motion to close -- do you have any additional? Council votes for the land use change. But the real controlling factors here will be coming forward and We will be working with the staff as well. All those protective measures they are looking for will be incorporated.
Alan Clendenin 08:36:53PM
A motion to close from Council Member Maniscalco. A second from Council Member Miranda. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. Ayes have IT. Councilwoman Hurtak, you want to say something?
Lynn Hurtak 08:37:03PM
Yeah, there is one those where I dont know if you hall agree with me. I feel like Luis has left -- like I am channelling Luis -- sorry, channelling council member Viera. I almost want to give the Residents more time to talk to the Petitioner about this. Because I dont think IT is clear. I think they are -- they -- the Residents are clearly dont -- they have not had a chance to communicate. I would like to give them a chance to communicate, but that is just me. I am going to leave IT at that.
Alan Clendenin 08:37:43PM
How do you we do IT?
Lynn Hurtak 08:37:47PM
We continue IT. I hate to be that person, and I know you all will you tell me no.
Alan Clendenin 08:37:51PM
IT does have to come back to US so They can have that communication between first and second.
Lynn Hurtak 08:37:56PM
The problem is, the second reading is during the day. These folks are here tonight. And I just wanted to throw that out there. We dont normally have these with comp plans. And I just -- I just feel like to have so many members of public come out tonight, I feel like they need to have a meeting. That is just where I am.
Alan Clendenin 08:38:19PM
Councilman Carlson and Councilwoman Young.
Lynn Hurtak 08:38:28PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 08:38:29PM
I think that the -- The Petitioner definitely needs toe have a conversation with the neighbors. We just need to figure out how to you do IT. Just brainstorming. The Other Way is to address IT is in second reading and see if IT is sufficient. Problem is, if we continue IT, then They still have to come back again, and then IT is harder to track IT on the agenda and everything. IT is easier for the constituents if we pass IT and have them come back and maybe They can somehow organize so They can present for each other or something like that.
Alan Clendenin 08:39:06PM
Councilwoman young.
Naya Young 08:39:10PM
I will say I will support a continuance to have more robust conversation with the Community Members that, you know, spoke and had some concerns. That was IT.
Alan Clendenin 08:39:23PM
Council Member Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 08:39:28PM
I support reading IT in first reading and let them discuss IT. And if IT is still unclear and still issues, we can always deny IT at second reading.
Alan Clendenin 08:39:36PM
You know what IT strong. On this one with staff briefings and looking at the details. This someone where I was asking -- why do the whole block. Staff workload that prevented from doing that. I think we are all kind of taken aback. Because upsizing this, dramatically increases property values. So IT surprised US, because IT increases property values --
Alan Clendenin 08:40:02PM
Sorry, cant talk. Surprises because we dont usually get this push back on this type of amendment.
Lynn Hurtak 08:40:10PM
Sorry, You cant speak or comment anymore.
Alan Clendenin 08:40:13PM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 08:40:14PM
Thats why -- my gut just tells me, they just need more communication. They still disagree, I -- I want them to all have that communication. And why they cant come and talk to -- while Mr. Michelini is correct in that this Council does not appreciate knowing what the plan would be, I believe that the Residents would like to know that. Some if -- if I were to ask to reopen, like what -- and we asked to continue, would that be supported?
Alan Clendenin 08:40:48PM
To what end?
Lynn Hurtak 08:40:49PM
Again, so the Community feels heard. And I -- or to -- so they can have their questions answered.
Alan Clendenin 08:40:56PM
A sense from this Council that we should condition IT?
Lynn Hurtak 08:41:00PM
Not if there is not a continuance.
Alan Clendenin 08:41:03PM
Is there a sense? What are we feeling?
Charlie Miranda 08:41:06PM
Here is how I feel. I understand the petitioners position and the publics opinion. Have you all met and discussed this at all? Alan Clendenin: I think they said no. I understand a motion to reopening hearing.
Guido Maniscalco 08:41:18PM
So moved.
Alan Clendenin 08:41:20PM
Motion from council member Maniscalco and a second from council member Miranda to reopen the hearing. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. The ayes have IT, Mr. Michelini. Would like a point person.
Lynn Hurtak 08:41:42PM
Have a meeting with all of the people outside and give you a point person. Figure out who you need to speak to. Because I believe -- they May again disagree, but I want them to truly feel like they understand this process. That is what I am going to ask. I am going to ask when we would have a free date.
Guido Maniscalco 08:42:05PM
Motion to continue to February 28 with the stipulation --
Bill Carlson 08:42:11PM
Somebody explain to the public.
Alan Clendenin 08:42:20PM
February 26.
Guido Maniscalco 08:42:23PM
Motion to continue this item to February 26 with the stipulation that the Petitioner meet with the Residents that are here. If you want to do that outside to Have Some Way to coordinate, and we can take IT from there.
Lynn Hurtak 08:42:37PM
I am a second.
Alan Clendenin 08:42:42PM
A motion from council member Maniscalco to continue this hearing until February 26, 2026. That is a 5:01 pm., At 315 e. Kennedy, Tampa, Florida 33602. A second from Councilwoman Hurtak. Councilwoman Hurtak, you wanted to say something?
Lynn Hurtak 08:43:00PM
Yes. So You said You wanted me to explain to folks what is going on?
Alan Clendenin 08:43:08PM
Anybody Who --
Lynn Hurtak 08:43:09PM
Well --
Alan Clendenin 08:43:12PM
Maybe Staff should explain this.
Lynn Hurtak 08:43:14PM
If Staff can explain what the next steps are.
Jennifer Malone 08:43:17PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. This item has been continued to February 26 at 5:01 pm. Within that time frame, the applicant is going to meet with the neighborhood.
Jennifer Malone 08:43:33PM
Meet with the individuals here and have a conversation. City Council will revisit this item. And take into account all the evidence on February 26. But IT May be useful for Somebody From Staff.
Lynn Hurtak 08:43:49PM
I was actually just going to say because this will also necessitate the continuance of number 8, which goes along with this. So because of that, either city statute or Planning Commission staff should join, because IT is the citys goals. So someone from staff needs to join. I will make that motion separately because I dont want to confuse anything. Might be useful as well -- well, I will be happy to work with the Planning Commission staff to set IT up. But we are -- the dual petition here that we need to deal with.
Alan Clendenin 08:44:28PM
Deal with that when we address item 8. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 08:44:36PM
Mr. Chairman. With all the talk -- I can understand the public that does not understand the distinction between a future land use map amendment and a rezoning.
Lynn Hurtak 08:44:46PM
Correct, thats why --
Martin Shelby 08:44:49PM
If I can finish, please, Councilwoman. In this case, what you have to do is for the purposes of this record and to not taint the process, especially for future items is focus on the difference between r-10 and R-20 already what as Miss Johnson-Velez tells US the development rights and what is presently existing and what you want the future of this neighborhood to be. That is normally your criteria. I think to focus solely on what they intend to build takes away the purpose of what this -- IT is to his advantage if IT is going to come back as a rezoning to talk about IT. Certainly he has that right.
Alan Clendenin 08:45:41PM
Mr. Shelby, your point is well taken and that is the discussion that should happen at the next hearing that this has been continued. Council should keep that in mind. Applicant will keep that in mind when we present the case. Between staff and the Air Force when briefing the neighbors. You do that same level of education of future land use versus zoning. Differentiate the two so when they come back they understand what they are speaking to.
Alan Clendenin 08:46:12PM
Leave the burden on You to work with staff to set that up.
Alan Clendenin 08:46:20PM
That will be their burden. And you guys can figure IT out. I will leave IT for you guys to figure IT out. I think you guys know how to you get in touch with each other. I am not going to figure IT out from the dais tonight. Yall will have to figure IT out later. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 08:46:36PM
For the purposes of this case, related to number 8 and your intention to move that.
Alan Clendenin 08:46:44PM
We will deal with them separately. One is private, One public.
Martin Shelby 08:46:48PM
Purposes of continuation, they will both be come back.
Alan Clendenin 08:46:55PM
Good Lord, did we take vote on this? A motion and a second to continue the item to February 26, 2026. All those in favor, say aye. Oppose. I would like to have councils indulgence to waive the rules to take up item 8.
Lynn Hurtak 08:47:16PM
Can I continue? Motion to continue file number tacpa 25-14. And whichever Planning Commission staff to meet with the residents tonight encourage your neighbors to come with the meeting wherever you have IT so we can really talk this. This is -- the idea of a comp plan change is new in the area and I thought IT would be best to give you all a chance to learn more about the process. I think that is simply more important than either a yes or no vote tonight. So that is my motion. Sorry, for 5:01 pm., 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33602.
Bill Carlson 08:48:19PM
Say immediately following the other item.
Lynn Hurtak 08:48:21PM
Immediately following tacpa 25-15.
Motion to continue this item 5 08:48:28PM
01 pm. Following tacpa 25-15. All those in favor. Opposed. The Ayes have IT. Thank you. Clerk, would you like to read IT? I know IT was also read. And read results and so we have IT on the record.
Clerk 08:48:52PM
You want me to read that IT was continued?
Alan Clendenin 08:48:57PM
February 26, 2026 at 5:01 pm. Unanimous.
Clerk 08:49:05PM
For item 8? So motion carried unanimously for item number 8, with Viera absent at vote to continue item number 8. The address will -- sorry, 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, third, Florida, Tampa, Florida 33602.
Alan Clendenin 08:49:31PM
Thank you much for indulging me on that. Move on to item number 7. If you would like to talk, bring IT out to the hall. Miss Sanchez, that you talking? Standing there with the gray hair. He will try to talk with you guys so follow his direction. So we are moving on to number 7.
Jennifer Malone 08:50:02PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. Tacpa 25-16. A map amendment. Privately initiated small scale. 024 Acres. Request is residential-20 to residential-35. This is within its central Tampa planning district, East Tampa urban village, vm ybor neighborhood --
Alan Clendenin 08:50:28PM
Can you because for a second. Mr. Michelini, ask you ask them to go out to the hall so you can do IT outside. Anybody that wants to register for Steve to sign up for the last cases, do IT in the hall so we dont get disturbed. Thank you. Is this case yours?
Jennifer Malone 08:50:51PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. I am giving an overview of where this case is. Ybor City local historic district along East Columbus Drive. Subject site is outlined in yellow. IT is at the corner of East Columbus Drive and east 13th avenue. We have the Academy Prep to the east of the subject site. Republic De Cuba east of subject site as well. This is looking right at the subject site. Looking east along East Columbus Drive, the subject site is to the right of the frame. Looking west of the subject site. Behind the photographer. Looking on the east side of the courtyard of the subject site. And looking south of the subject site along north 13th street. And that is the brick building that is the subject site in question future land use. Community mixed use 35 to the east. Residential-10 to the north. The request before you tonight is for residential-35 on the subject site. Would increase the potential dwelling units from four to eight. Will not increase the amount of nonresidential development, the far., The floor area ratio, is the same in these categories and the same with the locational criteria. Increase in the potential residential density. I am just going to skip over this one. Proposed ability was found consistent with the comprehensive plan. Not any residential area in the surrounding area. IT is compatible with the surrounding development pattern and seeks to maintain neighborhood character and compatibility and adequate supply of housing and an area we will want to do that within an urban village and the plan looks for a greater share of growth to the urban villages. Sorry, one more point. Since this is within the local Ybor City historic district, the Barrio Latino Commission is required to review this as a comp plan amendment. And this recommendation from that board was consistent as well as the vote of no objection.
Alan Clendenin 08:53:33PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none? Is there an Applicant?
Jennifer Malone 08:53:39PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. IT is a private applicant for this, but they do not appear to be present in the room tonight. Hearing no applicant, anyone want to speak? Council member Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 08:53:56PM
Real quick, the two-story brick building. Is IT that site? And this wouldnt open the door to any demolition or anything like that, would this? A bug parcel.
Jennifer Malone 08:54:09PM
I can defer to Evan Johnson -- Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. Evan Johnson can talk.
Alan Clendenin 08:54:19PM
Also known as Evan Ross.
Evan Johnson 08:54:25PM
Only by my closest friends. Evan Johnson, City Planning. What jennifer said is correct. Will have to about back through the BLC any major alteration of a certificate of appropriateness.
Guido Maniscalco 08:54:43PM
Across The Street from the charlie wall house. Very historical. Local Businessman. Anyway, motion to close.
Alan Clendenin 08:54:49PM
Second from Councilman Carlson. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. The Ayes have IT. I think we left off -- Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 08:54:58PM
Council, I dont recall a privately initiated amendment with an Applicant not being present. And the burden is on the Applicant.
Alan Clendenin 08:55:11PM
This question has asked before and answered in a way that would appear as if IT wasnt. But I will defer to the Great Legal Minds.
Martin Shelby 08:55:21PM
I guess my question. Does anybody from Staff have contact with that Applicant at this point? For the purposes of the record, if you want to move thiss to second reading.
Alan Clendenin 08:55:35PM
Yes, maam.
Jennifer Malone 08:55:37PM
Jennifer Malone, Planning Commission staff. The applicant noticed for this. And so they were aware of the hearing tonight. I mean, IT is -- I can attempt to call, but IT is probably late.
Alan Clendenin 08:55:49PM
There a legal requirement for the applicant to be here? Susan Johnson-Velez stepped out.
Martin Shelby 08:56:00PM
I know there certainly is in the City Code for rezonings. That I can state for certainty.
Jennifer Malone 08:56:07PM
The Planning Commission procedure manual for City Of Tampa does not address IT.
Guido Maniscalco 08:56:13PM
Figure out between now and second reading.
Alan Clendenin 08:56:15PM
But if IT wasnt proper --
Martin Shelby 08:56:25PM
IT is still legislative and able to be discussed on second reading.
Alan Clendenin 08:56:29PM
Personally, I dont have a problem with IT -- here we go. The Woman Of The Hour.
Susan Johnson-Velez 08:56:34PM
Susan Johnson-Velez, Legal Department. No legal requirement or requirement in the procedures manual. Since this affects the property owners rights and entitlement, might be best for council to continue IT. The applicant is not here.
Alan Clendenin 08:57:05PM
A first reading. We can do first reading and pick IT up on the second?
Martin Shelby 08:57:17PM
What we dont know what the Applicant would say if the Applicant was here.
Alan Clendenin 08:57:22PM
I am leaving IT up to Legal. I dont know. If there is no requirement.
Susan Johnson-Velez 08:57:28PM
I recommend that you continue IT until the Applicant is present.
Guido Maniscalco 08:57:34PM
Make a motion to continue item number 7, and we can do IT on February 26. I would like make a motion to continue file number tacpa 25-16 to February 26, 5:01 pm., 315 e. Kennedy, Tampa, Florida 33602.
Alan Clendenin 08:57:57PM
A second from Council member Miranda. All in favor, say aye. Opposed. The ayes have IT. Before we get to the next hearing, Council needs a break. IT is 8:58. So we will -- lets make IT quick 9:15 to get out as early as we can. Lets do 9:15. How about 9:10, which is really 9:15 Council time. We are in recess for 15 minutes. [Recess]
Alan Clendenin 08:58:23PM
I would like to call this meeting of Tampa City Council to order. Can you call the roll, please.
Charlie Miranda 09:14:17PM
Here.
Guido Maniscalco 09:14:19PM
Here.
Lynn Hurtak 09:14:20PM
Here.
Alan Clendenin 09:14:24PM
Here.
Clerk 09:14:24PM
You have a physical quorum.
Alan Clendenin 09:14:27PM
Thank you so much. Can I have a motion to open the quasi-judicial public hearings? We actually opened them. We have to swear Everybody in. Everybody, if you were here tonight to speak to any of the remaining agenda items. Stand, raise your right hand, and be sworn in by our Clerk.
Lynn Hurtak 09:14:46PM
Even if you dont think you are going to. [Swearing in] thank you so much. Councilwoman Young and Councilman Carlson are in attendance. Number 9.
Leo Debardeleben 09:15:03PM
Good evening, Council, chairman, Leo Debardeleben, land development. Agenda item number 9, ab-25-16. Special use-2 request for the property at 1726 West Cypress Street and 901 North Fremont Avenue. Request for alcoholic beverage sales for a small venue clarification for a beer and wine consumption on premises only. On the screen, you can see the aerial map. Site is outlined in red. This is at the southeast corner of West Cypress Street and North Fremont Avenue. This is a mixed use corridor. And there is a mixture of commercial and industrial uses surrounded by some residential development. This is the site plan that was submitted by the applicant. Let me zoom out a little bit. The request is proposed for an adaptive reuse for an industrial warehouse site to establish a bar, beer garden, dog park, recreation area, and an Enclosed Pickleball Court. This will be a fenced alcohol beverage sales area. You see IT on the site plan outlined in red. There is controlled access by entry kiosk here. And access to the site is from the south of the site off of West State Street. There is a total alcoholic beverage sales area 23,373 square feet. Comprised of 6052 square feet of indoor area and 17,321 square feet of outdoor area. Some photos of the site. This is across from north -- sorry, West Cypress Street. The site is -- this is the -- the southeast corner of that West Cypress Street and North Fremont Avenue. This is facing south on the corner of north fremont and West Cypress Street. Site is here to the left. This is facing west. The site is going to be behind US on our left. This is facing north. So the -- the south -- the site is directly to our -- to the behind of US. To the rear. Facing east on West Cypress Street. The site is on our right. This is the east elevation of the site. This is the proposed indoor area. This is facing south on north fremont. The site is on our left. This is at the corner of west 8th street and North Fremont Avenue. This is -- this is the site here. This is the south elevation. This is where that controlled access is -- showed you on the site plan. This is facing east on west 8th street. This is the site here. You can see where the Proposed Pickleball Court is going to be. This is directly Across The Street from the site. Another view from that facing West On State Street to see the commercial or the industrial uses in that area. This is the interior of the site.
Alan Clendenin 09:18:39PM
Man, You love your pictures.
Leo Debardeleben 09:18:46PM
I will shorten them up. More of the industrial uses in the area. There is a waiver -- sorry, there are three waivers that are proposed by the Applicant. Development Review And Compliance Staff reviewed the application and found the request inconsistent with the applicable of the City Of Tampa land development regulations due to the waivers that were requested. Minor site plan modifications are required between first and second reading if council chooses to approve. And I am available for any questions.
Alan Clendenin 09:19:22PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none.
Leo Debardeleben 09:19:27PM
One more thing. Additional revision sheet that the Applicant came up working with the neighborhood, and I will hand that to Mr. Shelby.
Alan Clendenin 09:19:39PM
Do we have a copy of that. Thank you. Start with your name. Colin Rice, with the Law Firm on behalf of the applicant. And I have been sworn. I have some visuals for you. Colin Rice for the applicant. Im here tonight for the property at 1726 west cass. Excited to present to you this project in the north Hyde Park neighborhood, which will feature a dog park, beer garden and Enclosed Pickleball Court. So more specifically requesting ab-2 small venue, beer and wine consumption on-premise only. No restaurant. No liquor. No packaged sales. To orient you, we are on west cypress west of rome, east of north howard in the West Tampa overlay district. Zooming in the site has been operating as industrial for years and years. The buildings on-site proposed to remain and an adaptive reuse between 1950 and 1973. You can see here. This is not part of the wet zoning, but because IT shares a zoning parcel, IT is included in the plan. That is a dog fostering business. We are not touching that. Zone industrial general. IG to the north, south, and to the east. Single-family homes to the west in the rs-50 district. We are in a place called "dobyville." Specifically called that in the comp plan within the general mixed use future land use designation. Gmu-24 with intensive commercial, compatible quasi, and mixture of light and industrial and acknowledges no clear identifiable development trend but encourages transition to compatible development. Sorry, dobyville. I am thinking Lord of the rings. Okay. So I am -- I am ashamed I dont have as many pictures as Leo --
Alan Clendenin 09:22:26PM
We appreciate you not having as many pictures. The river what will be the beer garden. From the south looking north the proposed pickleball facility in the existing structure. So pretty industrial right now and not very inviting. We are proposing to change all that. Showing you the site plan. Outlined in red is the proposed ab. Excluding this section of the two parcels. Beer garden here converted warehouse building. Opening up to the dog park. Existing in closed structure proposing for pickleball. Structured installed parking to the south. Oh, and importantly, the dog park -- this will surprise you, beer garden dog park doesnt appear in any parking matrix so a lot of conversations with City Staff about this. And limiting occupancy to 75 for the dog park. And We will get to that in a moment.
Alan Clendenin 09:23:31PM
75 dogs? Animals, mammals. So what We have here -- so dobyville. I appreciate that Tampa IT comes a Long Way. Literally two blocks away. Hundreds and hundreds of new residential uses within walking distance. All dog friendly. We checked. We envision a lot of people walking their dogs to this site. And then the site naturally has featured some elements that are beneficial to both safeguard the dogs and the people within the site and the neighborhoods. So We have got existing buffering with the existing proposed beer garden and structure here. Even further removed and toward the industrial area enclosed dog -- pickleball facility. Parking to the south. Natural features to the site that We think blends well to the neighborhood. And the Applicant is trying to build a sense of community here and a Gathering Place for neighbors, for dog lovers. Something that isnt really present with the existing contractor, industrial sites. Not -- again, this is industrial general. Most of those uses wouldnt be terribly compatible either. So to speak to operations for a moment. As you can imagine, operating something like this -- there is a lot that goes into IT. Very specific protocols for the operator. Membership-based and software-based. You can tell how many dogs are on-site. Part of the membership is screened for vaccination, temperament, spay and neuter. Not just any dog out here. For a lot of reasons, We want a lot of space for the dogs. We need adequate flight time and amount of square footage per dog and exceeding industry standards to make sure IT is a safe operation. So We are requesting three waivers. I am happy to answer any questions about these. Again, We are in the urban village. No residential separation distance required. Maneuvering along fremont. Again, that building was from 1950. And the space is just back up on To The Street. I am happy to answer any questions of access to parking -- or within 150 feet of the intersection. But really the parking waiver is the main thing. Again, We worked a lot with Staff of capping the occupancy limits on the dog park. Just nothing in the code that is analogous and made sense to start our calculation. But We own this. We own this. So there are 45 additional parking spaces within a block. There are sidewalk connectivity This Entire Way. We even go so far to propose a lease to formally bind them to the site, but in talking with Staff, We came up with the parking reduction waiver request. But this will be 45 spaces in excess. So in our view, plenty of parking. Comprehensive list of uses. We put a lot of thought into making sure this works. Further to compatibility, We held a neighborhood meeting on August 7. IT was well-attended. A lot of good feedback. Things We incorporated into this ask here tonight. Code allows uses to ask for 3 am. We are asking for 10 pm. Closing Sunday through Wednesday. 11 Thursday, free, and Saturday night. Again We are biassing the intensity away from the residences. The Pickleball Court is enclosed and the dog operation plan. Because of these efforts, We are very proud to have two letters of support. From the North Park Alliance and one from the north Hyde Park civic association, and I will submit both of into the record along with the slides. The sheet that Leo had referenced. Conditions that We are completely in support of and assume will be adopted into the record before second reading. What this further does to address neighborhood commentary and these discussions. We are going to have quiet hours. Shut down amplified music an hour before closing. Pickleball conclude at 9 every night and fence around the ab area of the residences and include shade trees as approvable by natural resources along the west as well. So We are excited about this project. We know IT is a little bit novel going for this type of scale of adaptive reuse, and IT doesnt cleanly fit within a box, but I am happy to answer any questions that you May have this evening. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 09:28:35PM
Council Member, Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 09:28:37PM
Can You bring up the slide that You showed that shows where the extra parking is?
Lynn Hurtak 09:28:44PM
Because you said there is a sidewalk connection, and while there May be a sidewalk connection where those parking spots are, that is not where your entrance is, correct? This does not show the whole picture but --
Lynn Hurtak 09:29:00PM
I dont think there is a sidewalk on the side where the -- where the Dog Rescue Place is. I didnt mean to mislead. My point is this. Sidewalk connectivity. So, yes, they would have to probably Traverse This Way.
Lynn Hurtak 9:29:18PM
Wanted to make sure on that. While I love that you call IT indoor pickleball, a canvas structure is not really indoors and the sound will echo. I am concerned about that, although if the public is good with 9 pm., I just wanted to make sure I put those on the record that that was the stuff that I was concerned about. Im happy to hear about the 75 people. I think thats a good max. But those were my two questions. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 9:29:47PM
Imagine one day we wont be sitting on Council and never have to hear the word pickleball again.
Lynn Hurtak 9:29:56PM
Are you kidding? Its a thing. I hear about IT from my friends.
Alan Clendenin 9:30:01PM
Do you own even the Dog Rescue? Its a Tenant. Its two parcels. They own all of IT.
Alan Clendenin 9:30:14PM
You have site control of the warehouse.
Alan Clendenin 9:30:18PM
Great area. I love that. I love the barrel building. Any other questions? Hearing no other questions, is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak to this item? Ms. Sanchez. Its 9:30 at night. Raise your right hand. [Oath administered]
Alan Clendenin 9:30:50PM
You werent following Ms. Hurtak's direction. I cannot believe the West Tampa overlay has not been mentioned once on this project and IT is right in the middle of the West Tampa overlay. I dont think we can move forward until that has been addressed. Thats basically all I wanted to say. There are supposed to be changes between first and second reading. We dont know what those are. Is IT something simple? Is IT construction? But mainly, like I said, why has not City Staff mentioned the West Tampa overlay in their report or in the applicants report? Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 9:31:39PM
Question for City Staff. This is adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings with the West Tampa overlay, I mean, IT is an SU -- would IT be applicable to this request?
Leo Debardeleben 9:32:02PM
Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination IT would not, chairman.
Alan Clendenin 9:32:08PM
Sandy, I dont think that would apply. What the Applicant is asking for, alcohol use and adaptive reuse, I dont think IT would apply.
Lynn Hurtak 9:32:20PM
If the Applicant could put the revision sheet back up, that was the amplified sound. I did have one follow-up question about amplified sound and pickleball activity to conclude. Are you willing -- that is going to be on the site plan, correct?
Leo Debardeleben 9:32:42PM
Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. Yes, maam, the revision sheet, those will all be included between first and second readings.
Lynn Hurtak 9:32:49PM
I have one more question for Staff just to make sure. When looking at the site plan, there is a clear boundary for where pickleball is allowed. Would they be allowed to come in and add more pickleball courts without coming to Council?
Leo Debardeleben 9:33:14PM
That would be considered a change of use, right?
Alan Clendenin 9:33:21PM
Didnt we have this issue where they are sort of like tennis courts.
Lynn Hurtak 9:33:25PM
Thats why im asking. Thats why im asking.
Lachone Dock 9:33:29PM
Lachone Dock, Development Coordination. So if you wanted, if IT is councils desire to have IT limited to a certain area, that would be added to the site plan. IT could be added between first and second reading.
Lynn Hurtak 9:33:40PM
I wanted to ask if the Applicant would be okay with US absolutely outlining with clarity that theres One Pickleball Court.
Lynn Hurtak 9:33:52PM
Okay. Im going to add that to the revision sheet to clearly delineate the pickleball area. Yes, theres Only One Court. If its put in that area, theres nothing else they can do. So the area thats outlined as pickleball already will be site restrained, and that would -- that will be all that is available for pickleball.
Lynn Hurtak 9:34:20PM
Thank you. I figured. We just wanted to really make sure to tighten that.
Alan Clendenin 9:34:26PM
You stood up, did you want to speak to this issue? Go ahead. Is there anybody else that wants to speak to this issue? After this, well close public comment. I live 200 feet away from this community or this establishment that they are proposing. I was hoping that my neighbors that are right Across The Street from IT were able to come, but due to illness they werent able to attend. We are constantly complaining to Parking Enforcement about the parking situation as IT is now. So we would love to be able to support this establishment, but I have a lot of concerns because weve had to deal with so many issues with parking, and its just getting increasingly worse. This project is asking for 56% reduction. They are saying that they are going to have off-street parking or parking on the cypress side of IT. Cypress is a Very Busy Street. So I dont see how people can safely go from park for one thing In That Street, like depending on the time of day, and then Across The Street to go to the establishment. The other issue that we have or that im concerned with is that the pickleball nets, are they going to be secured permanently? Because you can move pickleball nets. Now you have an event space. Now they need more parking, and that is not being considered, maybe. Im not sure. Maybe I missed the meeting. And then at the moment right now, The Foster Center on 901 north fremont, they are constantly having events on the weekend. I almost weekly have to call Parking Enforcement because they dont have the parking to do these events, and yet they even have like today, they had two mobile vets in front of their parking on top of that little bit of sidewalk that is available on that side. So they have been a nuisance, a business that has affected the whole block. So this affects now any new businesses because nothing has been done to manage that business itself. Now were having people that are coming for these businesses coming to all -- I found IT interesting that none of the photos showed all the houses that are right Across The Street from this establishment, single-family houses that have been there from the 1950s, and they are small homes that a lot of them use their front yards for parking because they have to fill every room with a person and every person has a car. We just dont have -- its been frustrating to have people actually parking on our yards, strangers parking on our yards or impeding our access to our own driveways. I really would hope that you dont approve this license or this rezoning for the wet zones until some of these things get cleared up. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 9:37:37PM
Thank you so much. Applicant, would you like to respond? Appreciate this Neighbor coming out and voicing concerns. I have not spoken with her. We would have loved the chance to have spoken about this and been able to perhaps address some of these things. Again, the Existing Tenant does share a zoning parcel. Thats not part of our request tonight. For what its worth in speaking with staff, the square footages of those buildings were calculated as part of the overall two zoning parcels. So those parking needs are accounted for in the waiver that we have requested. I can certainly speak to the Owner. I dont know any details about the perceived impacts. But ID like to remain focused on this ask as well. What were bringing to the neighborhood and again the support that we do have for the two neighborhood associations. Happy to answer any questions you might have about this.
Alan Clendenin 9:38:46PM
Thank you very much. Hearing nothing else, do we have a motion to close? Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 9:38:54PM
We have a motion to close from Councilman Maniscalco. Is there a second? Councilman Maniscalco, would you like to read this?
Guido Maniscalco 9:39:05PM
We have a revised revision sheet because We added something to IT?
Alan Clendenin 9:39:10PM
We do. We have an addition to the revision sheet.
Guido Maniscalco 9:39:14PM
Thank you. I have an ordinance being presented for first reading consideration, an ordinance approving a special use permit su-2 for alcoholic beverage sales, small venue consumption on premises only and making lawful the sale of beer and wine at or from that certain lot, plot, or tract of land located at 1726 west cypress and 901 north fremont, Tampa, Florida as more particularly described in section 2, providing that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict are repealed providing an effective date with the revision sheet and additions made verbally which are written down here. And that is clearly delineate The Pickleball Court area on the site plan, add a note to the area as identified on the site plan.
Alan Clendenin 9:40:19PM
We have a motion from Councilman Maniscalco, a second from Councilman Miranda. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 9:40:32PM
I do have to say that area of the parking is really, really bad.
Alan Clendenin 9:40:38PM
Whom am I talking to?
Lynn Hurtak 9:40:41PM
I know.
Alan Clendenin 9:40:43PM
This is an urban area.
Lynn Hurtak 9:40:44PM
I know, but they dont have adequate parking.
Alan Clendenin 9:40:48PM
Its an urban area next to the green spine and lots of transportation options and potential future transportation options. Any other comments? Councilwoman Young.
Naya Young 9:40:59PM
Can you please just make an effort to speak with the neighbors, please, and try and figure out, just to be good neighbors, please? Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 9:41:19PM
Ill speak. This is not far from where I live, an area that I am in frequently. IT is a very eclectic neighborhood with a lot of mixed use. You start on the east side with julian b. Lane and transition to different densities. I think this is an area moving one direction. That is -- I mean, this is the type of amenity that I think these neighbors will enjoy, the people moving into the neighborhoods, especially the demographics, people moving in the neighborhoods.
Lynn Hurtak 9:41:50PM
I dont disagree. I think what is needed that is not part of this conversation, but is part of the larger conversation of this area is they have a lot of stormwater that are just the culverts, and they are deep. Its dangerous to park along that area.
Alan Clendenin 9:42:10PM
Guess who needs to fix that.
Lynn Hurtak 9:42:12PM
We do. Thats what im saying. I really think this is an area that We have to really revisit if this is going to become -- as its becoming more urban, We have the leftover infrastructure from when IT was industrial.
Alan Clendenin 9:42:30PM
I agree.
Lynn Hurtak 9:42:31PM
For better or for worse, yes, People will walk, but People from other neighborhoods will want to come, too. We need some sort of centralized parking in the area. I hate to say that.
Alan Clendenin 9:42:44PM
Oh, my gosh. Council Lynn Miranda. [ laughter
Lynn Hurtak 9:42:51PM
I can ride my bike. I think a lot of people can. IT is kind of tight there I will say.
Alan Clendenin 9:42:58PM
I enjoy the urbanism. I think this is a great neighborhood, great neighborhood asset and will fully support IT.
Charlie Miranda 9:43:04PM
This is catty-corner to chillers.
Lynn Hurtak 9:43:11PM
Chillers is next to Hanna now. Chillers moved just on the other side of the railroad tracks by Hanna.
Alan Clendenin 9:43:19PM
You are taking me right off the track, right down a rabbit hole. Ive lost control of the meeting. We have a motion and second. Roll call vote, please. Everybody in favor say aye. Opposed?
The Clerk 9:43:36PM
Second reading and adoption held on February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall located at 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, third floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602.
Alan Clendenin 9:43:47PM
For the record, that was a unanimous vote with Councilman Viera being absent. Were moving on to number 10.
Leo Debardeleben 9:44:06PM
Good evening, Council. Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. Agenda item number 10 is for ab 2-26-02. This request is for the property located at 4205 and 4230 South Macdill Avenue. The request is for a special use 2 permit to allow for alcoholic beverage sales under a small venue classification for beer and wine with consumption on premises and package sales for off-premises consumption. The aerial map is on your screen. The property, the site location is outlined in red. This consists of two parcels. Along the South Macdill Avenue here. Its a mixed zoning of a mixture of PD zoning with commercial general as well as commercial neighborhood. This exists currently as a neighborhood strip center. Theres some surrounding commercial uses as well as residential development. This is in the South Tampa planning district. This is the site plan that was submitted by the Applicant. The request applies to a commercial unit, one-story retail suite within the western portion of the site. This Is The St. Croix plaza. IT does not propose any new construction. The proposed use is a restaurant, slash, cafe, operating with approximately 50 seats, consistent with the small venue designation. The alcohol beverage sales areas are delineated. The red on the site plan is the indoor area with the blue being the outdoor space. The current, or the hours proposed for alcohol beverage sales is Sunday through Wednesday until 11 pm. And Thursday through Saturday until 1 am. The Applicant also added a condition to the site plan prohibiting outdoor amplified sound. The parking reflects the shared parking configuration historically associated with this PD development. I have some photos of the site. Try to rush through those. Subject site, unit k on the western portion of that. The northern portion Of The St. Croix plaza. Zoomed out view. You can see the proposed outdoor area. This is facing east on West Knights Avenue. Facing north on south macdill. Facing south. Our site is on the right, and the other part of the PD Where The St. Croix plaza is on the left. This is the front elevation. This is Across The Street, so the other part of that plaza. Another view of the plaza. This is facing north. Our proposed site is the furthest north there. The Applicant is requesting two waivers. Development review and compliance staff reviewed the application and found the request inconsistent with applicable City Of Tampa land development regulations due to the waivers requested. Minor site plan modifications will be required between first and second reading should IT be councils pleasure to approve.
Alan Clendenin 9:47:32PM
Can you refresh councils memory of the waivers?
Leo Debardeleben 9:47:35PM
Sure. There is a waiver to reduce the required distance separation from other alcoholic beverage sales establishments from 250 feet to 45 feet. There is another restaurant in that plaza. And a waiver to reduce the minimum parking requirement from 137 spaces to 99 spaces, which is a 28% percent reduction.
Alan Clendenin 9:47:59PM
Does Council have any further questions? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 9:48:03PM
You said IT is a 50-seat restaurant?
Leo Debardeleben 9:48:09PM
That was the proposal in the narrative of the Applicant. They would have up to 50 seats.
Lynn Hurtak 9:48:16PM
Up to 50 seats, but they need 127 parking spaces for 50 seats?
Leo Debardeleben 9:48:20PM
Thats for the strip center.
Lynn Hurtak 9:48:22PM
Oh, okay, okay. Im sorry. Now I understand.
Alan Clendenin 9:48:30PM
The thai restaurant, as you know will agree is one of the best. Its a great thai restaurant. I dont think they get that much business. Applicant. Alex Schaler, 400 North Ashley Drive. I wont spend too much time on the locational details. What We are proposing here is going to be a small restaurant, slash, cafe. 49-person occupant load. Beer and wine only. Consumption on premises but also package sales for bottled wine. Essentially were proposing a concept that you all would be familiar with. Coffee bar during the day and potentially a little wine area at night. Just a little over 2,000 square feet, the indoor area there, as well as those blue areas. The blue to the east is the sidewalk. We want to put some tables and chairs out there and then well put a little patio on the side as well. This was mentioned also, no outdoor amplified sound. Were committing to that. Were not aware of opposition from the neighborhood but We included our standard safeguards for these type of applications. Were limiting sales to only a 2 cop or srx license from the state so IT cant become a bar lounge. Standard hours of operation, closing 11 during the week and 1 am. Closing on the weekends. I did want to address the parking waiver a little bit because IT is kind of a bit confusing. This site obviously with IT being a strip center, its been treated as one zoning lot, though there are different zonings -- IT is PD, CN and CG -- but in terms of the wet zoning, theres been a couple of different wet zonings on the site. The latest one, ab 2, being in 2017. This is the parking matrix. As you can see, IT is quite in-depth with the different tenants and different suites. The required spaces and what they are providing. The key thing to note on this slide is that based on the 2017 plan, there were 107 parking spaces provided. We are proposing 99 spaces. And there are a couple of different reasons why this degree in the waiver has changed. The first is that We are going to bring the parking up to code. So were adding a few more ADA stalls that werent there originally. So thats kind of where that loss comes from, as well as getting rid of some of the stalls that dont meet minimum width or in the mulch where they shouldnt have been counted prior. Thats where the loss in spaces come from. The reason the waiver percentage is higher, this is under new ownership. During the process, audit of current tenants and what they see forecasting for the future. For example, I think there is a desire to potentially bring in a fitness studio, yoga or pilates. Uses such as Medical Office, et cetera. In discussing with the Transportation Department, they recommended, go ahead and get what you think would be what you would need for the future so We dont have to come back here and request additional waivers as time moves forward. We do have a 28% parking waiver. Again, I think the important thing to note is that minus eight spaces reflects what is existing on-site today. Thats all I have. But im happy to answer any questions.
Alan Clendenin 9:51:58PM
Council have any questions? Hearing none, anybody in the public wish to speak to this item? Start with your name, please. Ive been sworn. Im kind of surprised with this. I love cafe paradiso. I was there on Friday night. You cannot park there. The continual waiver of parking requirements, when I go there, I have to go a block and a half Up The Street and its all residential houses. IT is a Side Street there. I dont understand why these parking waivers keep getting approved. I dont live in that neighborhood, but I do know when I park there, im usually parking in front of somebodys house and im parking probably a block away from the restaurant. So I think youve got to start considering this with all these requests. You are inundating the neighborhoods with cars and increasing occupancy without the infrastructure that the code requires. Its just going to create more problems down the line. Thats just my thought. I think its a great little strip center. I agree, the thai restaurant is nice, but at a certain point, weve got to be responsible with what the infrastructure requirements are. Thank you so much for your time.
Alan Clendenin 9:53:22PM
Thank you. Anybody else wishing to speak to the item? Motion to close? Sam, are you online. Did you have anything you wanted to add? Alex Schaler, for the record. This is mirroring the existing conditions that exist there today. We havent had any concern for the neighborhood. We did public notice. We included very standard plain english notice with the letter. We put in the letter exactly what were planning to do, under new ownership. They are willing to work with the neighborhood if there are any parking concerns. Like I said, we havent had any raised.
Alan Clendenin 9:54:04PM
Motion to close from Councilman Maniscalco. A second from Councilman Carlson. All those in favor, aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. Councilman Miranda, would you like to read this one?
Charlie Miranda 9:54:16PM
[Inaudible]
Alan Clendenin 9:54:18PM
Put your microphone on. They did IT for you.
Charlie Miranda 9:54:20PM
Thank you. Item number 10, file number ab 2-26-0 z, ordinance being presented for first reading and consideration, ordinance approving a special use su-2 for alcoholic beverage sales, small venue consumption on premises only and making lawful the sale of beer and wine at or from that certain lot, plot or tract of land located at 4205 and 4230 South Macdill Avenue, Tampa, Florida, more particularly described in section 2, providing that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict are repealed, provide an effective date.
Alan Clendenin 9:54:58PM
Motion from Councilman Miranda. Second from Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor, aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT unanimously. Clerk.
The Clerk 9:55:04PM
Second reading and adoption will be held on February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall located at 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, third floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602.
Alan Clendenin 9:55:18PM
Correct the record. Councilman Viera absent.
The Clerk 9:55:24PM
Motion carried with Viera absent at vote.
Alan Clendenin 9:55:27PM
Thank you. Sorry about that. LED you down that path. Number 11.
Leo Debardeleben 9:55:33PM
Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. Item number 11 is ab 2-25-12. Request is for the property located at 1625 east 7th avenue. Request is for a special use 2 permit to allow for alcoholic beverage sales with a bar lounge classification for beer, wine and liquor, consumption on premises only. This is the aerial map of the proposed site. This is in the yc 1 Ybor City central commercial core district in the central Tampa planning district. The site is located on the southwest corner of east 7th avenue and north 17th street. The surrounding area is characterized by dense commercial and entertainment and night life uses. This is the site plan that was submitted by the Applicant. Basically, this property already has an existing alcohol approval for a restaurant use. So what this proposal is doing is expanding the hours and also eliminating the requirement to report sales which is a condition of a restaurant use. The approval was from 2012. There is a total area of 6588 square feet, no outdoor beverage consumption areas proposed and theres no outdoor amplified sound proposed as well. Some photos of the site. This is the subject site. This is the front elevation of the southern belle. Applicant is asking for a waiver. The use is adjacent to IT. This is facing west on 7th avenue. More of the character of the Ybor City district. Facing east on 7th avenue. Facing south on north 17th street and facing north on 17th street. The Applicant is requesting one waiver to reduce the required distance separation from other alcoholic beverage sales locations from 250 feet to zero. Development Coordination staff has reviewed the application and finds the request inconsistent with the City Of Tampa development regulations due to that requested waiver. Transportation found the request consistent. Minor site plan modifications would be required between first and second reading. Im available for questions.
Alan Clendenin 9:58:19PM
Does Council have any questions? Hearing none, Applicant. Do we have an Applicant that will speak to this issue? I guess not. When this petition first came before you, IT had a lot of other requests that were involved in IT. Before we filed this --
Alan Clendenin 9:58:55PM
Say your name. Sorry.
Alan Clendenin 9:58:59PM
First time here. [ laughter I didnt turn my back on ya.
Alan Clendenin 9:59:07PM
Thank you. Effort to visit with the surrounding neighbors, the other businesses, as well as the Police Department to see what kind of restrictions did they have that We previously have that would be objectionable. And to that end, We removed the request for package. We removed the outdoor seating. We established a Safety And Security plan with the safety of the Retired Sergeant who handled Ybor City and prepared a detailed security plan and our security Retired Sergeant is here to speak to that. We also took that security plan. Now, let me just preface that by saying there is no specific permit or review process for that, but We did take IT to the Police Department for their review and acknowledgment that, did IT look good? Did We need to make some adjustments? And came back with no comments regarding that. We are indoor only. We have a Full-Time Security Person thats involved who has a relationship with the Police Department. I know you remember from some other petitions the difficulty in getting off-duty extra duty officers to come to ybor. In that security plan, We have a commitment for officers and also generally an acceptable access to extra duty officers who are willing to work with our security. We have been closed for one year because We could not meet the restriction of having a restaurant. Basically We are here seeking relief from that restriction for the 51/49 food restriction. We have one waiver which is the distance waiver because there is adjacent facility that immediately abuts this property. There were no changes in going through your criteria for special use for alcohol. There were no changes in the ingress and egress for this property. The off-street parking and loading was previously approved and remains approved by the Transportation Department. Refuse services continue in the same location. Lighting, its well lit. The fronts of the facility are in compliance with that requirement. There was no impact on utilities, no impact on drainage. We do control potentially adverse effects on this property, and that is evidenced by the security plan that We have submitted and will be happy to make that as a part of the application for this plan and attach to the site plan. We have no outdoor amplified sound and no sales are outside of the door. Theres no To-Go at all regarding this property. We currently have an occupancy certificate. Ill show that to you. We currently have an approved occupancy certificate for 235 persons. This is a copy of the proposed site plan. You can see IT is all inside. Theres nothing outside thats being requested. Im not sure how this happened or why IT happened, but the occupancy went up to 480, but We didnt change anything. I guess the calculations regarding the code and how you deal with that. We have a very detailed application for employment, including background checks, a security and safety policies and procedure manual that all employees will have to acknowledge, sign, and receive. We have detailed incident report in case there is an incident. Acknowledgment from the Safety And Security as a zero tolerance policy and witness statement in the event if theres any incident. Im going to turn this over to Chip. Our security expert Reggie, come on up, and explain what weve got.
Alan Clendenin 10:04:33PM
Good evening, sir. Start with your name, please. My name is Reggie James. Im a retired sergeant with the Tampa Police Department of 26 years. I serve as head of security for Southern Belle. All security policies sops and procedures modified were modeled after the highest level of operational standards. At TPD, we live by operational procedures. So literal, kind of took the same format. Ive worked -- sorry about that. Ive worked at many venues in my 26-year career. A lot of venues that were high risk. This is as low risk as IT gets. Southern Belle is a country music venue, not a high-risk nightclub. Clientele is primarily local, mature, and low conflict. Historically, low police calls for service and low TPD interactions. We operate with the proactive controls, not reactive enforcement. Occupancy and crowd controls and closing procedures. We have a strict compliance with the fire marshal occupancy limits. Real-time occupancy monitoring through dedicated door security, controlled entry, exit tracking, structure closing procedures, gradual lighting increase, music volume reduced before closing, so theres like a gradual music and lighting as we get ready to close. And the closings are staggered. Security itself will position itself outside the exit doors so as patrons come out, were able to see everything. Able to keep them moving. Safety and orderly dispersal. Security staff is deployed inside and outside, preventing loitering, managing ride share flow and early de-escalation of conflicts. And that is the most important one. When were outside and people are exiting, thats when things can happen and thats what our security is there for, to de-escalate everything. The noise mitigation and neighborhood impact, we take noise concerns seriously and address them proactively. Noise mitigation measures include controlled sound levels and decibel monitoring exterior security activity. Discouraging loud conversation or lingering, and during closing, music volume reduced early and exterior security ensures patrons do not gather or shout outside simply by just keeping them moving. Any noise complaint is addressed immediately. Our staff training and preparedness is they are trained in de-escalating and conflict management. Active shooter training, emergency response coordination. Clear command structures and communication protocols, full cooperation with TPD, fire and city officials is a must. The age control is going to be a 21 and up venue with zero exceptions. Mandatory ID checks at the entry, immediate removal for underage entry or over-intoxication. In closing, Southern Belle is committed to being a safe venue, a responsible neighbor, and a low-impact business. We respectfully request zoning approval based on professional security leadership, proven procedures, and a documented low-incident history. Any questions?
Alan Clendenin 10:09:12PM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:09:13PM
How many personnel you going to have on duty?
Charlie Miranda 10:09:21PM
Two off-duty. I see you are open seven days a week, right?
Charlie Miranda 10:09:26PM
From 11 in the morning till 1 am., Monday through Thursday and from Friday through Sunday 11 to 2 am., Am I correct?
Alan Clendenin 10:09:51PM
Who wants to answer the question about the operating hours?
Charlie Miranda 10:09:55PM
Hours I read here, Monday through Thursday until 1 am. And then you got here Friday through Sunday from 11 to 2 am. Those are consistent with chapter 14. Chapter 14, City Of Tampa code, that is what established those hours. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, were the later hours, and during the week its 1 am.
Charlie Miranda 10:10:28PM
IT says ab sales hours.
Alan Clendenin 10:10:35PM
Lets get the City Staff.
Charlie Miranda 10:10:37PM
Im looking at the wrong thing.
Leo Debardeleben 10:10:39PM
Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. Chapter 14 hours -- well, thats what the applicant has proposed. Chapter 14 hours. Those hours are from 7 am. To 3 am. Seven days a week.
Charlie Miranda 10:10:53PM
Okay, 7 to 3 am.
Alan Clendenin 10:10:55PM
Thank you for the clarification. Applicant. Sorry, you still have more. Start the timer again, please. Five more minutes. Im going to address, obviously, there was an e-mail from a Neighborhood Association brought up some concerns that might have been addressed last time. First is, daytime hours proposed in the application, ybor particularly continues to present little in terms of daytime retail. Reinforced to the entire block. That is the goal has always been full daytime activation. A lot of effort has been made in that in the past. They are open at noon on Saturday and sundays, and then right now its 4:00. And those hours, as business dictates. The business dictates what time they open. More daytime hours will be added as needed. Right now, daytime hours lunch crowd in Ybor City, everyone is fighting for lunch crowd in Ybor City. I know that theres been restaurants that have closed down because they cant make that lunch, and IT will be dry. Everyone fights for that and IT is a constant battle. They also addressed the north side of the block, why does the north side of the block look better than the south side of the block? A new restaurant which has since been closed since the letter was written. Restaurants have tried to make IT. IT isnt a viable option right now. Everyone wants IT to be. We want IT to be. Everyone wants a viable restaurant industry there. IT just cannot support IT right now. When foot traffic can support IT is when restaurants will start to flourish. They are going to continue that bar and grill model and try and put as much food and as much appetizing out there as possible and Continue To Drive. The monolithic, the next point from the -- from the residents, what is the -- why does the north side have diversity retail daytime success? South side is monolithic clubs only. Part of that is half of the block is a closed structure. Closed since a fire in 2016. Been closed ten years. Its half the block. Its tough to overcome something like that. Theres not a lot that they can do as operators to try and get somebody else to open. What they are doing is trying to provide something viable. Trying to change IT up. Its not a club. IT is a bar and grill. IT is shown thats what IT is and what IT has been and Continue To Drive that as much daytime as possible and continue to build those hours earlier. The last was the property already had a 4 cop designation and owners allowed IT to expire. Why would Council continue to give do-overs to a property unable to maintain a previous 4 cop? That point as its been addressed by the City, the property didnt lose a 4 cop zoning, IT had a full 4 cop, the prior tenant changed IT. Nothing has expired. Just looking to expand IT back to its prior zoning that Was In Place. The operator that was there, Buffalo Wild Wings, National Brand with national exposure, they were there ten years. They couldnt make IT with that kind of exposure and that kind of brand loyalty. Its not a do-over. Were just correcting the record back to what IT was and continue to. Were not seeking -- its just responding to actual foot traffic. I think that addresses everything from the residential standpoint. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:15:36PM
Start with your name.
Steve Michelini 10:15:39PM
In conclusion -- Steve Michelini. We have a safety and security report which we would offer and make IT part of the site plan as site plan conditions, as well as the commitment for how IT operates. Again, the only waiver being requested is the distance waiver because there is an existing establishment next door. This is a country and western theme, and there is a dance floor and live music. IT is not a typical venue that attracts difficulties and problems. Again, I said we went to the respective different affected parties in advance before we filed this petition. Time is up.
Alan Clendenin 10:16:35PM
Okay. Thats IT. Councilwoman Young, you have a question.
Naya Young 10:16:40PM
What are the current hours? This Restaurant is currently operating, yes?
Steve Michelini 10:16:45PM
Its closed. They could not make -- They couldnt -- the business model simply wouldnt work, so They have been closed for a year.
Naya Young 10:16:56PM
The proposed hours are --
Alan Clendenin 10:17:05PM
Conforms with state standard.
Naya Young 10:17:08PM
3 am. 7 am. To 3 am.
Steve Michelini 10:17:13PM
We went through this exercise before, We tried to restrict the operating hours, and what happens is adjacent facilities have operating hours that are open later. We certainly can look at that if thats an issue with the Council, but We would like to be competitive with the other establishments that are immediately adjacent.
Naya Young 10:17:39PM
Its going to be a Restaurant, slash bar? Is that the --
Steve Michelini 10:17:44PM
We are serving approximately 20% food, not the 51% food that is under the old restriction. That food service will remain open throughout all of the operating hours. As long as the facility is open, the restaurant and the kitchen will remain open. That restriction also can be placed on the site plan.
Naya Young 10:18:09PM
Okay. Im asking, if You are open at 7 am., Will You have breakfast?
Steve Michelini 10:18:16PM
Its not open at 7 am. Thats Just The Way the code reads.
Alan Clendenin 10:18:24PM
But youre willing to put on the site plan, in a future date they choose to open at 7 am., The restaurant would coincide with operating hours.
Steve Michelini 10:18:33PM
Completely open and the kitchen would be fully functional during all operating hours.
Naya Young 10:18:39PM
Im trying to get an idea of what are the hours going to be. What are the hours?
Steve Michelini 10:18:46PM
The hours are stipulated on the site plan as 7 am. To 3 am. 7 am. Is unusual for a facility in ybor.
Alan Clendenin 10:18:56PM
Mr. Michelini, I was kind of shocked its 250 feet. Thats kind of crazy. Only one, on 7th avenue, only one other Alcohol Sales Establishment within 250 feet?
Steve Michelini 10:19:10PM
Only one waiver, Sir.
Alan Clendenin 10:19:12PM
Wow. IT would be tough to throw a dart and not hit alcohol sales on 7th avenue. Technical concerns so when We brought IT forward to you, We obviously cant do anything about the distance because the building is established and sits right there.
Alan Clendenin 10:19:33PM
I understand. I was surprised its only one. Thats not on US. Thats what the certified --
Leo Debardeleben 10:19:45PM
So the waiver is just to the closest establishment for alcohol sales. Its not -- He doesnt need a waiver for each location. Its just to the closest one.
Alan Clendenin 10:19:58PM
There could be others.
Leo Debardeleben 10:20:00PM
The one is zero feet away. IT is the adjacent property. Thats why IT is that one waiver.
Alan Clendenin 10:20:07PM
Do we have any idea how many are within this block?
Leo Debardeleben 10:20:10PM
They are all Over The Place. I dont have a tally. We can get a round number for you.
Alan Clendenin 10:20:17PM
Its not exact, I dont want IT. Simply cannot compete with them.
Alan Clendenin 10:20:30PM
I understand. Any further questions from Council? Okay. So well go to public comment. If you would like to speak to this item.
Alan Clendenin 10:20:56PM
The City, You should have spoke when The City was presenting their case. I dont know what You are here to present. City, do You have a position on this? Hes not part of the staff presentation. Hes here to comment on the application. If theres misplacement of his testimony, its on me because --
Alan Clendenin 10:21:24PM
State your name, please.
Lynn Hurtak 10:21:30PM
If you dont want to call him up, I will call TPD up. I want to hear, what do you have to say.
Alan Clendenin 10:21:46PM
Q a of City Staff. Of this permit. We looked at the area. Its on the 1600 block of 7th avenue. That is our busiest and most -- our busiest and most productive area within 7th avenue. As far as our manpower is concerned, its where we are most stressed, where we have the most incidents, especially during the closing area. Right now, IT does not fit in with our normal public safety plan that we have installed in ybor. If we were to put another what im looking at right now is another 480, up to 480 excuse me persons with an alcohol only establish -- alcohol primarily established business, IT will now take away from other areas on ybor because im going to have to put officers down there. While I respect Sergeant retired James we worked together many years. I understand he has a great plan and sure he has. However, hes relying on off-duty which we cannot mandate by the city which means even if I dont have the manpower on 7th avenue, I have to take manpower off the streets somewhere else to get the things taken care of and resolved. Another big issue im concerned about when looking at this, when we do the closing at ybor is the queue lines. The business directly next to IT is probably the most busiest establishment that we have on 7th avenue. That queue line clearly is both directions from that business, deeper than the sidewalk can maintain. Because of that, we have individuals that are walking along the sidewalk now walk out Into The Street into traffic. That too is a public safety issue that we now have to address as well. IT is an extreme concern for US to add another 500 individuals, what we consider witching hour. That 1 to 3:00 closing hour. That puts US in a position where our mandates for officer presence is stressed. And the visibility that we need along ybor and other areas along 7th avenue now is minimized. As far as the Tampa Police Department is concerned, we are unaware of a request. The Chief and both my legal advisors said they have not seen anything. I am not sure where that came from. Im more than willing to take a look at IT and see how that works out. But at this point, we definitely would be opposed to this at this point.
Alan Clendenin 10:24:32PM
Would IT make a difference to Tampa PD if IT was stipulated in the site plan that They were required to have Non-Duty Officers during operating hours or during certain hours? Because of the amount of Officers that we have to maintain and put on that corner anyhow. If They are telling US They wanted to put an additional two Officers, that puts US in a different position, if based on their presence They need five. I dont know if we can mandate a number or tell them what the mandated number is until we see what kind of issue at the establishment They have.
Alan Clendenin 10:25:17PM
Another question is, would IT make a difference if They staggered the closing hours? Like closed 30 minutes earlier, so you had that staggered. On that block alone, there are five other establishments. That does not include Centro Ybor serving alcohol specifically. The business next door, They already have started staggering as far as from the other bars and They close a little bit earlier 2:30, 2:45. Not sure how much we can stag theyre to make a difference.
Alan Clendenin 10:25:51PM
Would IT make a difference if the Applicant requested a continuance so you could work out an amicable agreement with them? I think the Tampa Police Department is definitely wants to see the growth of ybor. I dont know right now as IT stands right now that I can sit here and say that we support this.
Alan Clendenin 10:26:14PM
Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? That concludes that segment of the presentation. Well move to public comment. If you would like to speak to this issue -- if you have not been sworn in, please bring that to my attention. Is everybody in the room thats going to speak tonight been sworn in? Anybody not been sworn in? You have not been sworn in. Are you going to speak tonight, speak to this issue? Stand and raise your right hand and be sworn in. Anybody else, if you suspect youre going to speak tonight, please stand and raise your right hand. [Oath administered] start with your name. I machining ehlers enterprises which is a family business, property owners of 1625 east 7th avenue. I want to start to be clear, this request is not about expanding rights, changing the character of ybor or pushing an agenda. IT is about restoring historically permitted use and aligning this property with demonstrated market reality and consistent city policy. This is about maintaining the property values of this building and surrounding area by having a viable tenant. Historically has operated under full liquor license. This entitlement never expired. Approximately ten years ago, our prior tenant, Buffalo Wild Wings, voluntarily changed the designation to a food and beverage license for their business reasons. Despite operating for nearly a decade, this national brand recognition and substantial corporate support that food driven model was not sustainable at this location. Since then, the market has only become more challenging, and weve seen additional restaurant concepts in and around centro Ybor City open and close in a matter of months. Even long-established businesses in the district struggle to sustain a lunch service. These are not failures of any sort or lack of intent. They reflect foot traffic realities that zoning restrictions cannot fix. Southern Belle operated the property during 2023 and 2024. During that period, the business was responsibly run, staffed and actively managed. They opened at 4 pm. And were prepared to open earlier as demanded. Importantly, police data shows that calls for service did not increase during their operation and were consistent with or lower than surrounding areas. Active managed property is proven to be safer and more stable than vacancy or constant turnover. Our Current Tenant came in and preserved the historical building, keeping IT cleaned and maintained, which the Previous Tenant had failed to do. They have hired extra security to keep their clientele safe, and they are looking to bring in a mature clientele with their dancing and music. Im trying to hurry up. Safety, Our Tenant is consistent in making Ybor City a safe environment. Safety is key to making their business successful. If this is a safety issue, you want Our Tenant's business in Ybor City. And then I just wanted to say --
Alan Clendenin 10:30:02PM
Your time is up. Sorry. Next speaker, start with your name please. Fourth generation Ybor City, 30-year business owner, multi-business owner and landowner in Ybor City. Seen a lot of people come and go, businesses come and go in Ybor City. Chris, the business owner, is someone that I believe has good intentions for our community. He runs safe businesses. And he is the kind of neighbor that I want. I believe his vision for Ybor City is very similar to my vision with Ybor City. In regards to the lunch business, ill speak on my own, Thursday before gasparilla I served 22 people for lunch today after 30 years making a restaurant go in Ybor City is beyond challenging without having the bills paid and being in the financial position that I am right now, Bernini after 30 years doesnt exist. I know a lot of you come and dine in my restaurant and do business. ID like to consider myself the next valencia garden, but its a challenge. IT is a big challenge. And having an empty space Across The Street makes IT even more challenging. So ill urge you to give Chris this liquor license because hes a good operator. He is a safe operator. And hes the future of Ybor City.
Alan Clendenin 10:31:51PM
Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:31:56PM
Public comment. Travis Lampe. 2002 east 5th avenue. Longtime Ybor Resident. Been there about 21 years. Definitely would go to Southern Belle quite a bit. Know a lot of the bars, owners around in ybor. Would definitely say there are bad actors in ybor. Some of them dont really care about security. Dont really care about the security that they are providing for the customers that are coming in. Southern Belle is not one of those. As you can see tonight with their presentation, they definitely have taken security seriously. I think its going to show when the zoning does get passed. I think that Southern Belle wants to do right with ybor. They want to be a good bar that does the right thing in ybor, and being a long term resident there, I have 100% respect for that. I think IT should get passed and rezoned for what IT was. What the original purpose of the restaurant was there for. Thank you. Keep IT short.
Alan Clendenin 10:33:04PM
Next speaker, please. Start with your name. Resident Of Historic Ybor, Property Owner, also a realtor and Appraiser. One of the beautiful parts of ybor is its diversity and eclectic-ness. Southern Belle was a nice addition to ybor, having a country bar there with a different vibe with live music, which is very attractive to bringing people in and not nearly enough of IT in ybor. While IT was there, IT was a great establishment. Now that its missing theres still a kind of hole there. And thats not good for anybodys property values in ybor, residential or commercial, to have these empty spaces when we have a viable tenant that was providing good music, good food, good service. IT was a good addition to ybor. I urge you to vote yes and allow them to reopen and add that back to what IT was. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:34:00PM
Next speaker. Business at 1712 east 7th avenue. Im Across The Street from the venue thats being discussed tonight. My Business has been there for about ten years. Ive seen the opening of Southern Belle and then subsequently the closing. While IT was open, we would use them as a place for my employees and staff to gather for company functions and things like that. Ive been friends with the General Manager of the facility for many years, and they have been good Business to be neighbors with. I would like to see them get their Business back open. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:34:47PM
Thank you so much. Engines speaker, please. One Of The General Managers down in Ybor City. I am down there every single night looking at the security protocols that are going on. The staggering does happen from 2:30 to 2:45, between some of the other clubs. Earlier staggering would definitely help in this scenario, being able to do 2:15 or 2:00, but getting the people out and moving with the swiftness relies a lot more on the guards and the police officers working together as a team, which is what we really like to create down there as a whole. For US, I think its a really good idea to bring this back. We need to get southern belle back on.
Alan Clendenin 10:35:31PM
Thank you. Next speaker, please. Alexander Mcharry. I own Monster Pizza, 1616 east 7th avenue. For the sake of many small businesses in ybor, I urge you to please let Southern Belle reopen. Thank you very much.
Alan Clendenin 10:35:49PM
Thank you. I have a question for the Tampa PD Officer. Sorry. Tampa PD. Major. One of the comments was from the Owner Of The Property that there wasnt any increased calls. Do you have a record of this being a problem? This operated for an extended period of time. Do you have any documentation or record that this was a problematic establishment during that period of operation?
Alan Clendenin 10:36:22PM
Do you have an indication that IT was a problematic establishment? Buffalo Wild Wings, there was not.
Alan Clendenin 10:36:32PM
When IT was Southern Belle. However, that was not 2:00 in the morning when we have all the other clubs dumping out at the same time with a large amount of people.
Alan Clendenin 10:36:44PM
Well, They were open that late, werent They? Out around that time.
Alan Clendenin 10:36:56PM
This was a 2 pm. Closing, would you have the objection? Sorry, 2 am. Closing. Same objections. A lot of times when people come out --
Alan Clendenin 10:37:10PM
Why am I thinking if I said IT was 11 pm. Closing, you would have the same objection. Anything we can do -- related establishment in the proximity to so many there right now. The control and dealing with the individuals out there when we have -- 11 pm., No, that would not be a problem. We do not have the same crowd numbers. Biggest concern is officer safety. Im concerned about the patron safety, with the large amount of people that gather, we close the streets around 2:30, that creates that party atmosphere, big block party atmosphere. Have Officers be able to control that is something im concerned about. To have patrons safe during that time, also concerned about that. I need to make sure I have the correct amount of Officers for the correct amount of people. To throw another 500 individuals in there is right now not something that works well with our plans.
Alan Clendenin 10:38:06PM
If they reduced the capacity, reduce the capacity if there was like closing at 2 am.? Like I said, I would love to see that safety plan. I have not seen. I cant tell you that the Tampa Police Department has seen to be able to look at that. ID love to work with Reggie. Love to work with Mr. Michelini and find out what a great plan would be that would work for all of US.
Alan Clendenin 10:38:32PM
IT sounds like a continuance, You would work with them to figure out a plan that You guys could work with.
Alan Clendenin 10:38:39PM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 10:38:40PM
So here is the problem. This isnt about one business. This travels with the land. This travels with the land. And the thing is -- but the Owner has come and said she allowed the 4 co 3 p or whatever IT is called to lapse because she allowed the Tenant to change that. We dont have to bring that back. This runs with the land. If the Owner had wanted to keep the higher alcohol permit, she should have done so. Im sorry, but this runs with the land.
Alan Clendenin 10:39:21PM
Again, if they made notes on the site plan and had restrictions, IT would run with those restrictions as well.
Lynn Hurtak 10:39:30PM
I will not support a continuance.
Alan Clendenin 10:39:33PM
Councilwoman Young, did you want to say something? No. Okay. Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:39:44PM
The Officer. How many manpower or women power Police Officers you have in Ybor City on a Friday or Saturday night?
Charlie Miranda 10:40:00PM
Is that enough or You need more? That does -- that includes the parking lots.
Charlie Miranda 10:40:10PM
Better visibility.
Charlie Miranda 10:40:17PM
Changing and changing and changing. I remember when IT was nothing and I remember the heyday during the '50s and '60s and everything went to hell. IT is what IT is. And then you had Artists that had to come in because you only had three things. Many years ago, three things in Ybor City. Drug Dealers, Prostitution, and Tumbleweed.
Alan Clendenin 10:40:40PM
And chickens.
Charlie Miranda 10:40:41PM
The Artists came in, brought IT back up. When The Artists came in and brought IT up, Owners said, oh, thats wonderful. Open one bar and the bar made a lot more money than The Artists rent. Went to hell. Everything went to bar. Thats what happened in Ybor City. But at that time, you didnt need any police officers in Ybor City. When IT was The Artists. None. That I know of. I dont think -- maybe you were 12 years old then. What im saying is, I understand -- its all based on something else, money. I understand that. The rent is very high in Ybor City, I would assume. IT takes a lot to bear something. I appreciate both sides. I appreciate the people who are trying to revive IT and make a living out of IT, whatever IT is, but I also got to think of what happens in the future in Ybor City. Im just watching IT very closely every time I drive by there. I dont even Like The Road there now. Bumpy as hell.
Alan Clendenin 10:41:50PM
You voted for IT.
Charlie Miranda 10:41:51PM
I voted to pay for IT to get IT out. Such a terrible job. Be honest with you, Sir.
Alan Clendenin 10:42:02PM
Councilwoman young.
Naya Young 10:42:03PM
I wanted to go back to Councilwoman hurtaks point. Would you mind explaining what you meant with the comment that you made?
Alan Clendenin 10:42:13PM
Goes with the land?
Naya Young 10:42:15PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 10:42:16PM
What happens is, if we change this and this business doesnt succeed or decides to close, the exact same rules will apply to whoever goes there. What happens is, if we allow chapter 17, which is 7 am. To 3 pm., IT could be a total nightclub. Theres no promise that IT would remain a restaurant with a nightclub usage. We cannot control that. Thats why I said when they let that specific alcohol permit lapse, they had to come back to US to get IT. Theres no requirement for US to give IT to them. My big concern is, because of the residents and how ybor -- im particularly concerned when TPD comes and says that they are concerned because, you know, I worked incredibly hard to get paid parking or paid security attendants in parking lots. And I have to say, Mr. Michelini, youre the one that really brought that back. Now they dont have to have IT anymore which requires more TPD officers. That was a state. But I didnt do IT.
Lynn Hurtak 10:43:37PM
IT was Your Client. You fought against IT.
Alan Clendenin 10:43:40PM
Thats outside the scope of this.
Lynn Hurtak 10:43:42PM
I know its outside the scope but not lost on me.
Alan Clendenin 10:43:45PM
Outside of the scope of the hearing.
Lynn Hurtak 10:43:49PM
We now need more officers. They are saying there arent enough officers. People have testified today that IT is hard to run a Business, so I dont know that this Business is going to be able to stay open and then IT could become a full bar.
Steve Michelini 10:44:08PM
The reason I started by telling you about the safety and security plan and attaching IT to the safety plan, IT has commitments regarding security and Sworn Officers. Now, regardless of whether this business makes IT or not, that travels, as you know, that travels with this wet zoning. So those restrictions travel. The restriction regarding that I threw out about 20% food can travel with a wet zoning and on the site plan. They cant meet the 51%, but they are committing to the 20%. Were certainly willing to stagger the closing time. We took off the outside activities because when we talked to the Police Department, they said that was causing a problem. So before we filed, we took IT off and restricted everything to the inside of the building. That also meant that the noise was being restricted as well. There wasnt going to be any amplified music and no activities outside that would cause that. But IT seems to me that a staggered plan would satisfy TPD. The commitment in the safety and security plan to have Sworn Officers, two of them, its in that plan, would also satisfy the issue regarding additional officers. So they are on premises at our location, not wandering -- they are not patrolling somewhere else, so they control the activities within this establishment.
Lynn Hurtak 10:45:45PM
Ms. Johnson Velez, when you finish, I have a question for you. Can we actually dictate on the site plan restaurant requirements less than 51%? Is that something that you can put on the site plan, but is IT actually something that we can count, that we can establish? Because the 51% is a state rule that the City then gets information by. If they are not required to actually do IT every year, how do we maintain that? There is a state alcoholic beverage classification of a certain restaurant type that does require the 51% food sales versus 49% alcoholic beverage sales. The City does have a similar type use, the type of license they currently have, that they cannot meet that 51% food requirement. So anything lower than that, ive not seen a condition that mandates a certain percentage of food. What I have seen is what Mr. Michelini referred to is that we will have the kitchen open and available to prepare and serve food during all operating hours. But we cant guarantee how much, you know, what percent of our sales will actually be of food. IT might be 100% alcoholic beverage or 10% or 20.
Lynn Hurtak 10:47:21PM
My second question is about putting security requirements on a site plan. That is also not something ive ever heard of before.
Susan Johnson-Velez 10:47:33PM
I dont think ive seen that either. Do I believe there are security requirement in the code currently for certain Alcoholic Beverage Establishments.
Lachone Dock 10:47:43PM
Lachone Dock, Development Coordination. There are a couple of things. One, Mr. Michelini mentioned the 20% that they would guarantee, that they can meet that. In order to do so, they would have to report. Thats The Only Way we would be able to determine the percentage of sales, of food and alcohol. And that can be added as a condition on the site plan and then from that point, if the Applicant agrees, whoever, not only this Applicant, but in the future, they all would have to report and meet that requirement.
Lynn Hurtak 10:48:13PM
But who would they report to?
Lachone Dock 10:48:16PM
Our Office.
Lynn Hurtak 10:48:18PM
51% is the state though.
Lachone Dock 10:48:20PM
Two things, city and the state.
Lynn Hurtak 10:48:22PM
Generally speaking, if You report to the State then You can give that same documentation to the City, correct?
Lachone Dock 10:48:28PM
We also -- we have a category where reporting is required to the city. And in this case, what we would do is we would have them add the note and report to the city, to Development Coordination along with the other restaurant locations and establishments that are required to report. If They do not meet that threshold, They would be on the list for enforcement. And that is the percentage for the sales. The other thing is the security plan. So They came before US before with the first application, and They offered the security plan and what could happen is that could run with the site plan. They would add a note as a condition that They are -- that They have a security plan attached and that would run with the approval of the site plan.
Lynn Hurtak 10:49:15PM
So heres my question then. Their site plan requires them to have two Off-Duty Officers, but One Officer cant make IT, how would we know?
Lachone Dock 10:49:33PM
Development Coordination, IT would be within the detail of the plan as to how They would replace and who They would have on duty and a number They would have. Hopefully theres some sort of backup and if They work with TPD on a plan that They would agree with, that May help to solve a situation like that. But They would have to comply with whatever conditions They have in the security plan, and IT would run with the property.
Alan Clendenin 10:49:59PM
Can I make a suggestion? I really think we can get to a yes on this if we continue this and let the Applicant work with Tampa PD to come up with some reasonable solutions. They May come up with solutions -- we still get a bite at the apple. IT still comes back to US.
Lynn Hurtak 10:50:17PM
I would rather continue IT, but I would also require not only that They meet with the major, but that They also meet with the neighborhood. Because the big issue is allowing more bar establishments in The District, which The District has made incredibly clear They dont wants. This is the part im struggling with. Food has to be a component and 20% is not enough.
Alan Clendenin 10:50:44PM
I would entertain a motion to continue this item.
Lachone Dock 10:50:55PM
Development Coordination. February 26 is the next alcohol public hearing, and right now we have three continued cases on that night. So if we go to the next available, IT would be April 23rd for this case to be continued to or council would waive its rules to allow a fourth continuance on February 26.
Alan Clendenin 10:51:19PM
What does the rest of the docket look like for the 26th?
Lachone Dock 10:51:25PM
IT would be full. Its too early to have set the cases, but We anticipate ten cases.
Lynn Hurtak 10:51:33PM
Ill waive -- I make a motion to waive the rules for February 26.
Alan Clendenin 10:51:37PM
Unanimous consent. Anybody object to February 26, waiving the rules? Hearing none, by unanimous consent, waive the rules. Councilwoman Young made a motion to continue item to February 26.
Lynn Hurtak 10:51:49PM
Ill second with the stipulations that they meet with the major specifically and that they meet with -- is IT Hynca? And to meet with Hynca about their concerns as well.
Alan Clendenin 10:52:09PM
Neighborhood Association.
Lynn Hurtak 10:52:10PM
Yeah, thats the Neighborhood Association, and to bring your best food percentage out there because 20 is not enough.
Bill Carlson 10:52:24PM
I think IT will be a waste of time. The Neighbors will say they are against IT. The Police are understaffed. We know we have a shortage of Police throughout the whole city. IT will be in The Same Place.
Steve Michelini 10:52:36PM
I think the issue is, Sir, Sworn Officers, not necessarily TPD Officers.
Alan Clendenin 10:52:41PM
We have a motion and we have a second. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 10:52:44PM
I just want to express a concern that when you start talking, if the state law says more than half and you can have that in the code and have that in state law. But when Council starts setting specific numerical percentages, first of all --
Alan Clendenin 10:53:02PM
Ill leave that up to Legal to make an interpretation for US.
Martin Shelby 10:53:05PM
We could do that now.
Alan Clendenin 10:53:06PM
But this will be done after tonight because theyll have time to discuss this.
Lynn Hurtak 10:53:10PM
You know what, im withdrawing my second if somebody else wants to say IT, they can.
Alan Clendenin 10:53:17PM
Anybody else want to second IT? Continuance. We have a motion and we have a second. Councilwoman Young and then Councilman Maniscalco. I would expect that Legal would chime in on this issue as well.
Naya Young 10:53:43PM
Ive been able to visit some of the Ybor Association, just talk with Residents, Business Owners, and one of the things that has come up in those meetings is wanting to find the right balance in ybor. I dont know what that looks like, and I know doing a continuance May not be, you know, what we know, the general consensus. Im really hoping we can find whatever that balance is because to support the Business Owners but also to support the Residents that live in the area, again, one of the words that always came up when I was talking with neighbors was they want to find the balance. Im hoping that this is a way we could find the balance that works for everybody. I dont know. But that is my hope. I just want to put that out there.
Alan Clendenin 10:54:41PM
Thank you. We have a motion and We have a second. Is there any further discussion?
Alan Clendenin 10:54:57PM
We have to take public comment on continuance?
Martin Shelby 10:55:01PM
Dont have to.
Alan Clendenin 10:55:02PM
Its getting late, Guys. Its getting late. We have a motion and We have a second to continue this to February 26. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed?
Alan Clendenin 10:55:14PM
The motion passes.
Steve Michelini 10:55:16PM
Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:55:20PM
Announce the vote.
The Clerk 10:55:23PM
Motion carried unanimously with Carlson voting no and Viera being absent at vote.
Alan Clendenin 10:55:32PM
Last item, Councilman Maniscalco recuses himself for a conflict. Were still working. [ sounding gavel were still working, so take the conversation outside, please. Councilman Maniscalco is recusing himself for a conflict.
Guido Maniscalco 10:55:54PM
For the third time, im recusing myself from this item because the Petitioner is the landlord to my familys business. Filing form 8b and giving that to Mr. Shelby.
Alan Clendenin 10:56:11PM
That leaves US with five members of council.
Guido Maniscalco 10:56:13PM
Yes.
Martin Shelby 10:56:20PM
Might as well receive and file.
Alan Clendenin 10:56:22PM
We have a motion to receive and file. Is there a second?
Bill Carlson 10:56:26PM
Second.
Alan Clendenin 10:56:26PM
All those in favor, Aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT.
Bill Carlson 10:56:30PM
Mr. Shelby, in an earlier iteration of this, I abstained. Since then, I spent time talking to you and you made some phone calls. Would you like to report on that?
Martin Shelby 10:56:40PM
Well, You had relayed some information to me and based on the facts as I understood them, I recommended that You abstain, and You did so. Upon further inquiry and additional investigation and contact with the attorneys at the Ethics Commission, I reviewed the facts and as they exist, IT is my professional opinion that You do not have a conflict of interest, and You are obligated to vote.
Bill Carlson 10:57:09PM
Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 10:57:11PM
There we go. Were moving forward on item number 12. Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. Agenda item number 12 is ab 2-25-21, request for property located at 21 and 220 East Davis Boulevard. Request is for special use 2 permit to allow for alcoholic beverage sales under a restaurant classification for beer, wine and liquor, consumption on premises only. ID like to start with a little bit of background. Application history. This application was in front of City Council for first hearing on October 30th of last year when IT received first reading approval. The item was scheduled for a second reading on November 20th of last year, 2025, but was not heard due to the site plan revisions not being provided by the deadline. The case was then continued to December 4th, at which time the Applicant requested an additional continuance to tonights hearing. During this period, City Council provided specific instructions to the Applicant, including to maintain the parking situation as IT was presented originally. The occupancy to be reduced to approximately 25% of the total building occupancy. And that the establishment operate more clearly as a restaurant and not a party type use. In response, the Applicant revised the site plan to limit the outdoor alcoholic beverage consumption area to a maximum outdoor occupancy of 60 persons consistent with councils direction. On the screen is the aerial map of the site location which is outlined in red. The site is located on the west side of East Davis Boulevard Between Barbados Avenue And Biscayne Avenue, within the Davis Islands commercial district. The surrounding area is a mixed use corridor with a concentration of restaurants, neighborhood serving commercial uses and residential development. This is the site plan that was presented by the Applicant. The request applies to an existing single story commercial building that previously operated as two separate restaurants. The building is currently undergoing renovations to combine the former tenant spaces into one full-service restaurant. The proposed alcoholic beverage sales area is approximately 5,082 square feet of indoor area and 677 square feet outdoors for a total ab sales area of approximately -- im sorry, this is wrong. Because its been adjusted. This is the latest iteration, but I believe theres been some changes to the site plan since this. To further talk about whats being presented tonight, there is no outdoor amplified sound permitted and is restricted -- and that is a restriction placed on the site plan. The outdoor food service --
Alan Clendenin 11:00:25PM
Hold on for one second. Do we have an issue with the site plan were looking at?
Lachone Dock 11:00:39PM
This is the site plan submitted in response to councils motion from the last hearing. On this site plan, the occupancy is restricted to 60 persons. Thats what is listed in the area in blue. 60 persons. What was not modified was the actual ab sales area. So the blue area thats identified on the plan is the ab sales boundary for the outdoor area. The Applicant has agreed to modify that area, and we have the new plan that shows that new ab sales area. IT has been reduced to accommodate the 60 persons.
Lynn Hurtak 11:01:16PM
Can we see that? I need to see that.
Lachone Dock 11:01:21PM
We can show that to you. What happened is from the last hearing, the Applicant is only able to make the changes as directed by Council. Council made the motion for three changes. One of them was the amendment of the occupancy. Although they amended the occupancy to 60 persons, they could not reduce the ab sales area, IT was not a part of the motion. Now the Applicant agrees to do so and they will do IT between first and second reading since this is first reading. This is the new area.
Alan Clendenin 11:01:51PM
Okay, good.
Lachone Dock 11:01:52PM
Now there is the note still on the plan. 60 Persons. 60 Persons per building code is the equivalent of 7 square feet per person. Approximately 420 square feet.
Alan Clendenin 11:02:06PM
If we approve this, would need a motion from Council to -- revised site plan.
Lachone Dock 11:02:12PM
They would make the change between first and second reading and this would be the new sales area that would accommodate the 60 persons.
Alan Clendenin 11:02:19PM
Perfect, thank you.
Lynn Hurtak 11:02:20PM
Ms. Johnson-Velez.
Alan Clendenin 11:02:29PM
Are we finished with your presentation first?
Lynn Hurtak 11:02:32PM
Sorry. This.
Martin Shelby 11:02:34PM
Lets resolve the site plan.
Lynn Hurtak 11:02:36PM
I do have a question about this. Ms. Johnson-Velez, when looking at this site plan, this is complicated for me because the part at the southern end that is a block can be clearly blocked off with like a fence or something like that. This seems very difficult to fence off somehow to say you cannot drink outside of this area.
Alan Clendenin 11:03:12PM
I think this would go to the applicants presentation.
Lynn Hurtak 11:03:18PM
Okay. Im very concerned this doesnt work for me. If thats open, then people could accidentally put their foot over the line.
Alan Clendenin 11:03:29PM
Lets finish with the staff presentation and then well revisit that.
Lynn Hurtak 11:03:33PM
Thats fine. The Applicant has heard me.
Martin Shelby 11:03:37PM
One other thing, Mr. Chairman. I should have done this perhaps at the outset, but I want to remind Council that you have had a full first public hearing. Youve had a second public hearing. And now IT comes -- well, you had a second -- did you not have a second public hearing?
Lynn Hurtak 11:03:58PM
No, We found out They didnt fix the site plan, so We stopped the public hearing.
Martin Shelby 11:04:03PM
Any testimony taken at the hearing? And thats why I want this record to be clear. What You have is You have -- this is the third time this is coming before Council, but IT is not the first time youre taking testimony and evidence. What im saying to You is this is all cumulative, so You can rely on all the evidence in this record that has been -- IT is the same file number accepted into evidence from the beginning in the basis of weighing your decisions.
Alan Clendenin 11:04:36PM
Yes, sir. I understand and will comply. Continue with the presentation. Sorry for the interruption. Leo Debardeleben, Development Coordination. The square footage ill leave out. Like to highlight what the Applicant has presented as part of this request. They have made a commitment to limit the outdoor consumption area to 420 square feet. That is equal to the seven square feet per occupant, per the building code department occupancy calculation for that assembly use. Alcohol sales are proposed to end no later than 11 pm. Under through Wednesday and 1 am. Thursday through Saturday. And there is no outdoor amplified sound permitted and is restricted by a condition on the site plan. Also food and beverage service would be limited to the interior restaurant space and adjacent covered patio area. The Applicant is also requesting three waivers. One is to reduce the distance separation from other alcoholic beverage sales locations from 250 feet to 6 feet. Waiver to reduce distance separation from residential uses from 250 feet to 31 feet. And a waiver to reduce the required number of parking spaces from 87 spaces to 0 spaces. Development Review And Compliance Staff has reviewed the application and finds the request inconsistent with the applicable City Of Tampa land development regulations. Due to the requested waivers and minor site plan modification that would be required between first and second readings. Im available for any questions.
Alan Clendenin 11:06:21PM
Council have any questions of staff?
Lachone Dock 11:06:26PM
Lachone Dock, Development Coordination. I just want to clarify the history of the schedule that has occurred on this application. So on October 30, there was a first reading. That first reading was approved. Then they went to second reading. The second reading was scheduled. They did not have that first second reading because the site plan revisions were not submitted on time. So that was continued to the second second reading. The second second reading was on December 4 that was opened and heard. During that presentation, the applicant then asked for a continuance to go back to first reading and that is tonights hearing. Tonight we are at first reading. This is the second first reading.
Alan Clendenin 11:07:12PM
Got IT. I understand. I remember the trauma. Okay. We are ready for an Applicant. I dont think anyone is more traumatized about this than I am. So ill jump right into IT. I think We addressed the background. Thats correct. Only two readings on this currently. Just a reminder about why We filed this application in The First Place. There are existing wet zonings here for this building, but there is a gap currently in the middle. This application is to fill that gap so this can operate as one single restaurant. This was the request -- at the request of Council, We limited the outdoor occupancy to 60 people. Thats 25% of the building occupancy. That was direct feedback that We received from this Council, a number they would be comfortable with. However, in coordination with staff, I think there were some concerns, a couple of concerns. One, about the enforceability of head count outside. Which is point taken. The second is, in order for this to be I would say aligned I dont know if that is the right word, with Florida Building Code, thats technically seven square feet per person. While We were committing, hey, only allow 60 people out here, Florida Building Code standards you could put a lot more people in that 3,000-square-foot space We had before. In order to make sure We were aligned on, one, enforceability, and, two, Florida Building Code regulations, We are committing between readings to reduce this outdoor consumption area to 420 square feet. That is the blue hatched area shown on screen. The rest of that were still planning to turf that. Kids can still play out there. Still planting trees along the sidewalk. All that remains the same, but you cannot carry a drink over there. Cannot have an open container there. Councilwoman Hurtak, you did bring up how do We delineate that. IT is hard to see here thicker dashed line where IT says proposed building awning. Two awnings that does not extend the entire length of the frontage there but two separate awnings, and that is where We are cutting the line off. Were happy to provide shrubs, planters, anything else that would make that more accessible. Dont want to run into where there is a dotted line on the floor but We can. The thought was that somebody could walk out front holding a drink if they needed to be and checked on kids in the turf area. Walk over to the patio with a drink if they got one at the inside bar. That was the thought process. We dont intend people gather outside with drinks. If they needed to walk outside with a drink IT wasnt going to immediately be flagged. A summary of the commitments were making, reduce occupancy to 25% of the building. That consumption area is only 420 square feet out front. We also added a note to the site plan where -- this is understood, but just for future, hundred percent sure this will not be used as independent of that venue or for special events. Cannot be rented out. People cannot use IT. Cant gather here for a run club. Specifically for the restaurant waiting area only. Another reminder about I think one of the larger components of this application is obviously the parking area and relocation of the current on-site parking. This is not only important to the restaurant, but IT is extremely important to the neighborhood. You all have received multiple, multiple letters about this with families very concerned about the current situation. IT is unsafe. All of the island residents I believe would agree with that. Again, looking up and down the strip of Davis Islands, this is the only restaurant that has on-site parking, that crosses over a public sidewalk in order for vehicles to come in and come out. Inherently dangerous. No other restaurants have that. There is a note on the site plan that conditions US to construct the spaces in the right-of-way, We are paying for those, before We receive a co. For interior renovations of the building. Mentioned this before but not solely our idea. The City did approach the Property Owner back in 2021 as part of a larger project to move these spaces to the right-of-way. This is aligned with City direction and with what the City Mobility department would recommend. Additional safeguards, these have not changed. Consistent throughout the application. Allowing sales only with srx or 2 cop to eliminate the concern about a potential bar use. Alcohol sales are ending at 11 and 1 am. On the weekends. No outdoor amplified sound. I will note that the current wet zoning approvals allow outdoor amplified sound until 11 pm. We are stripping that from the current proposal and committing to no outdoor amplified sound. With that, ill bring up Jeff Single, the general manager of 220 East and he is going to share a few words. My name is Jeff Single. I am the operating partner of 220 East for the past three years. Been part of the Tampa restaurant community the last 26 plus years at Lee roy selmons, boca, Hattricks and many other Tampa Staples. Ive also been a resident on Davis Islands for close to 12 years now. 220 is a very important part of the davis island community. We have regulars that have been coming in for close to 30 years. Over the last six to eight years, theres been a shift on the island with so many more young families moving to the island to raise their kids. We get a lot of the families in for dinner. After Bayshore little league practices, games, unwind with other parents and teammates and proud to be a family focused restaurant. This has been and will continue to be a family friendly neighborhood restaurant but We need your help tonight. Hurricane helene devastated the restaurant along with all the other buildings in the village and homes throughout the island. Candidly, the restaurant needed tlc before the hurricanes just due to normal wear and tear over time. My staff and I are barely limping with the state of the restaurant. Permits ready to go to do needed renovations and storm hardening but We need this application to be approved so We can move forward. As part of the application, were addressing the parking, something not only important to US but to our patrons. This is a family restaurant, that means excited kids that dont always want to sit at the table. Its dangerous with cars having to go over the sidewalk to get into parking spaces. I see IT every single day. Mom Or Dad pulling their stroller back quickly. Dogs yanked back by their leash. Husband And Wife having to walk quickly. Frankly, matter of time where either the driver or walker doesnt see the other and IT will be a bad outcome. You are then turning the lot completely blind. So dangerous for customers, kids, pets, residents and those on the island for the day or night. Some people are concerned about parking. As Alex said, moving the parking lot To The Street. Same treatment that every other restaurant on Davis Islands gets and works just fine. Now, I would like to address the run club incident that was brought up at the last hearing. First and foremost, I would like to apologize to City Council and all the davis island residents for that evening. As you can tell, im not a runner nor know much about run clubs. IT was an entire village event and We are the third business to sign up. Assumed IT would be something like the Turkey trot That Takes Place every year. Sign up in the parking lot, get a gift bag and off to your run. We didnt know about the post-run events. Thats for US for not knowing. For that sincerely sorry. We would not have done that knowing everything. I can promise IT wont happen again and as operating partner, the buck stops with me. We had one opportunity already since the last hearing for someone to do an event in our parking lot. One of the residents. They were on wheel of fortune, and I had to tell them no. Killed me to tell them no, but thats what were going to do. Just like Council, proposed occupancy -- also prohibit special events. You have more than just my word. If you approve this, you have enforceable conditions on the site plan for both. Thats all I have. Happy to answer questions. I hope when this is over We can serve you and families for years to come.
Alan Clendenin 11:16:11PM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 11:16:14PM
Can the Applicant pull up the site plan one more time? This is the part where im like a dotted line isnt going to work. A dotted line is just -- is There Any Way that you can add IT to the red section thats already there? Can you just eke over and make that? 420 square foot area, I did do that. But I was worried because I didnt want people to be in noncompliance if they walked out the front door and didnt have a way to get to that patio.
Lynn Hurtak 11:17:00PM
How do you get to that patio now? Corner, but most people walk from the front door, I would imagine.
Lynn Hurtak 11:17:12PM
So my question is, is there a way you simply gate that off and have the only entrance be the door through the restaurant? Because that is the concern of the Neighbors. The Neighbors dont want anyone going out the front -- I mean, this just isnt the kind of establishment where you are going to be able to have a dotted line. What youre trying to do is regain trust. So that would be my recommendation between first and second reading is instead of the blue, you add IT to the red and then The Only Way to get to the red is through the restaurant.
Alan Clendenin 11:17:59PM
How wide is the blue area?
Alan Clendenin 11:18:08PM
Is IT wide enough to be railed off?
Lynn Hurtak 11:18:11PM
No, IT really looks like this. Ill double check. Councilwoman Hurtak, were open to that. Im not opposed to that. Im so fearful of getting into a place where its like --
Lynn Hurtak 11:18:29PM
Thats my fear.
Lynn Hurtak 11:18:32PM
Again, just if you had a railing, maybe IT moves up to where IT says proposed building awning and you just bump IT out there and then you have a nice clear railing. The Only Way to get through is inside. That Way Parents could still watch their children but they couldnt reach them, which is good and bad.
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:18:59PM
Legal Department. I was thinking colors like You were, but I was thinking three different colors instead of one color.
Lynn Hurtak 11:19:06PM
Can you point to the one over here?
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:19:08PM
This large red area is identified as indoor ab sales area. Then this smaller red area is outdoor ab sales area. Then the blue is -- I mean, IT currently says ab sales area but supposed to only be consumption area. I think the labeling needs to be different. Needs to be three different colors to easy to tell. If we do this, I think that is The Best Way. While thinking about IT I dont want to forget, still on the site data table, the consumption area is still identified as 3,000 square feet, so that will need to change. Also going to need a different legal description for these different -- I mean, I dont want IT not to be mentioned.
Alan Clendenin 11:19:57PM
Staff, are you capturing those?
Lynn Hurtak 11:20:01PM
I still dont like the blue area and I still think IT should be -- I just, We want to create a sense of trust.
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:20:12PM
The other thing I was thinking, if you want to make IT clear that in this White area theres no sales or consumption of alcoholic beverage. IT should be labeled as such. Well figure IT out, make IT work. Could We do like planters or shrubs or do you want a railing? Well move IT to the south. Understood.
Alan Clendenin 11:20:39PM
I think a railing is a good idea as well. IT clearly delineates where you can be and cant be so theres no misunderstanding. Blue area and smoosh IT with the red area.
Lynn Hurtak 11:20:57PM
Im thinking both.
Alan Clendenin 11:21:01PM
Could you tell door area has to be separated --
Lynn Hurtak 11:21:05PM
Thats your railing. The patio railing.
Lynn Hurtak 11:21:10PM
Take away the blue.
Lynn Hurtak 11:21:15PM
Move the patio up to basically where IT says proposed building awning, probably a little further. Were okay with leaving the red as IT is, get rid of the blue, and there is a railing where the patio is. Were okay with that.
Lachone Dock 11:21:33PM
Development Coordination. The blue right now is outdoor area. So youre getting rid of the blue. No outdoor area.
Alan Clendenin 11:21:45PM
Still be the outdoor service area.
Lachone Dock 11:21:48PM
Indoor.
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:22:02PM
The red is -- the indoor area is going to be one color and the outdoor area is going to be another color and no more of this. Any reference to a consumption only area on the site is going to go away completely and the only outdoor ab sales area will be the 677 square feet.
Lynn Hurtak 11:22:23PM
Correct. With a railing.
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:22:26PM
With a railing.
Lynn Hurtak 11:22:28PM
All The Way around.
Susan Johnson-Velez 11:22:30PM
All the adjustments in terms of legal description, square footages for outdoor area, all of that will be changed on the site data table.
Alan Clendenin 11:22:37PM
Correct. I believe He was capturing that as you were reading IT off.
Lynn Hurtak 11:22:45PM
Mr. Debardeleben has been a very good note taker so hell hand that to me so I can read IT into the record by the time we get through public comment.
Alan Clendenin 11:22:55PM
Does Council have any further questions? Hearing none, public comment time. Anybody like to speak to this item? Debbie, I know youve been sworn in. Everybody has been sworn in, right? If you would line up on the wall to your right, my left.
Martin Shelby 11:23:44PM
Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. Please acknowledge by saying you are present or here. Adrienne Laramie. Sandy Sanchez. I see. John Murray. Jenny Defraties. Poynor. Five plus three is eight. What is this book?
Alan Clendenin 11:24:27PM
Well receive and file. Thank you. Debbie, start with your name. We have eight minutes, right? Eight minutes.
Martin Shelby 11:25:03PM
The whole book is already in the record.
Alan Clendenin 11:25:06PM
Its already received and filed from a previous hearing.
Martin Shelby 11:25:12PM
At the end of the night, ill give this back to you.
Alan Clendenin 11:25:20PM
Start with your name, please. Eight minutes. Let me get my thoughts together. Debbie Zomermaand. 192 Corsica Street. Before I start, what we have said -- oh, upside down. Sorry. We need to know how this White space is going to be used. Presumably there will be people in there. There will be assembly in there. You could have a lot of people in this space. They go in and unbeknownst to US we have to comment on this narrow strip. They need to identify the use here. They need to identify how many people are here and then They need to identify what the parking requirements are, what the rest of the building code requirements are. But we cant comment on that because we just found out about IT right now. Basically for over ten years ive been an advocate for decisions guided by the Tampa Comprehensive Plan and The City Of Tampa land development code. I show up with facts and specific references to the code. For this application, I submitted a binder with a significant number of concerns and inconsistencies which are still relevant for todays discussion. Lets be closer, this application is full of smoke and mirrors. The intent is not to make the parking lot safer. The purpose of this application is to, one, more than double the maximum occupancy. Number one, IT is to double the maximum occupancy. Right now 164 people. They are proposing 348 people. Number two, They are proposing to double the occupancy with zero parking spaces and no off-site agreements even though the Applicant owns the site Across The Street and more sites Down The Street. The Applicant is of the opinion that the changes to the existing parking lot will be safer, but They have not provided any competent, substantial evidence demonstrating the opinion is actually fact. Theres no expert testimony to this. Its just their opinion. They further cloud the issue by referencing some changes proposed by The City years ago, which were rejected by both the property owner and the Applicant. Number five, keep in mind at the time of the prior City proposal, the maximum occupancy of the site was approximately 164 people. That is the same occupancy as today. There is no evidence in the record that The City would be supportive of this change with the current occupancy request and zero parking spaces. The record does contain a staff report in tab six of this bullet of that booklet where the growth management Development Coordination staff and another staff report said, quote, the lack of off-street parking will have negative impact, end quote. Then the staff lists three examples. With that lead-in, please realize you are not being provided the full picture with these public hearings. IT is extremely frustrating that no one is focusing on the fact that the rezoning will more than double the maximum occupancy. And then youre not being presented the full set of facts when They come up. Today we didnt even know what the site plan was. At the last meeting, the applicants agent points out there will be a tree on the site plan but totally failed to point out that the occupancy was over 500 people. Its outrageous that no one addresses the occupancy issues on the site plan. Another example is Mr. Hudson stated, quote, there are two active alcohol licenses already. There is a little gap in the middle where there isnt any wet zoning. What were seeking here is to get that gap approved just to fill the gap. This is more than the little gap in the middle of the site plan. This ab zoning is being used to basically have a work-around over parking requirements and its ability for them to increase the number of people that can attend -- that can go to this establishment. There is no evidence that anyone attempted to obtain an off-site parking agreement from the Applicant even though They own or control other properties within a thousand-foot distance required for such agreement. This request follows a recent trend with applicants on davis island. There is a strong push to have decisions based on media campaigns, personal preferences, and other avenues versus decisions based on the code. This is dividing our residents and pitting neighbors against neighbors. All were asking for here is that you follow the code and end this ab work-around which is essentially being used to increase occupancy to inappropriate level on an inappropriate site. Di. Resident for over 20 years, I know personally that parking has historically been a problem and IT still is. Having a huge increase in occupancy without additional parking will absolutely create adverse conditions within our community. This request is inappropriate and if approved is extremely likely to lead into adverse consequences, which will be difficult, if not impossible to unwind. IT is important that decisions are made in compliance with the applicable ordinances, regulations, and guidelines. To depart from this process compromises the integrity of the development framework and creates unintended consequences. I respectfully request denial of ab 2-25-21. IT is inconsistent with the code and incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. Given the preponderance of evidence ive entered into the record and the fact that the Applicant has failed to provide any expert testimony or reports, substantiating their baseless opinions, theres nothing in the record, its difficult to comprehend how a scenario where this request could be found consistent with The City's code. Now, I have prepared for you a motion helper -- sorry, everybody. Its late. We show up here time and time again, and we all work. We arent paid. This is going on forever and ever and ever. At a certain point, its just got to stop. They cant keep changing their plan. I gave you information that will essentially support many of the statements I just said. But let me show you this picture right here. This parking lot is right Across The Street. And its owned by the same property owner. Reserved park exit Bayshore Realty. Right now, the residents cant use that, but its right Across The Street. Weve got to -- we gave up 105 parking spaces on kikis. That is 105 spaces which translates to four times that, 420 people would make up what is necessary for 105 parking spaces. Now you want to have a waiver of 83 -- I dont know what the number is. IT just doesnt make any sense. And They are hoarding the parking on all these other sites. They turned the Bank Of America building into a Pickleball Court. They walled the whole thing off. They could have put a ton of parking in there. They could have put parking back behind key keys where They have the grassy area. Some reason, They didnt have to put parking. I think IT is time that They have to -- this is too big. Theres no parking. They are keeping IT all to themselves, and there is absolutely no expert testimony or evidence that this is even required. IT is just a work-around to get double the occupancy in a restaurant that They dont have the infrastructure to support. Sorry if im a little frustrated. Dont was a surprise. But I trust you and thank you very much for your time.
Alan Clendenin 11:33:35PM
Thank You, Debbie. Next speaker, please. Ana Murray. 31-year resident of davis island. I respectfully request denial of ab 2-25-21. IT conflicts with the code. Create significant impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhood. The code issue is compliance. This is another alcohol beverage rezoning request in a location that is too close to residential uses and other alcohol beverage establishments. IT seeks a hundred percent reduction, if I understand IT correctly, hundred percent reduction in parking. I sat here tonight and listened to people that wanted 28% reduction or 12%, whatever IT was. 100% reduction, based on the information provided, I think IT is a total maximum capacity currently of 164 current on-site spaces of eight. What they want to do is have a maximum occupancy of 348 people with no parking. The net impact is an additional 184 persons. No parking. Practical terms IT serves to significantly boost intensity while avoiding the parking requirements that would normally apply. The result would be increased parking spillover into nearby residential streets, greater traffic and ride share activity and greater impacts associated with alcohol service. The request is unnecessary in the context of the davis island village. There are currently 19 storefronts -- approximately 19 if I added everybody correctly. 19 storefronts that dont serve alcohol. There are 12 that currently do serve alcohol. Mr. Patel has two that are now currently closed but have full alcohol permits so that would be 14 and there is an additional four that have off-premise alcohol and package and retail sales. That is a significant. Thats almost 50% of this little davis island village that serves alcohol. Pretty soon, youre going to have to send TPD from ybor down to davis island. Thats what is going to happen if this continues. I respectfully request that You deny this application.
Alan Clendenin 11:35:51PM
Thank you. Cab. They were asking for a reduction of the separation from 250 feet to 6 feet. They are asking to reduce the distance from residential from 250 feet to 31 feet. Here is a letter that Hynca sent you all in November. In here they talk about Tampa inflicting a level of chaos on ybor. They talk about City Council's decisions on policies and wet zoning. They talk about City Council's blanket wet zoning policies creating chaos in ybor. Youve also all heard About Howard Avenue and the Hyde Park area and how IT was just completely destroyed. IT is a nightmare, and IT has been one single exception at a time. Here is a picture of what were talking about. Two blocks. Thats the commercial residential village in Davis Islands. Two blocks. Thats IT. And as she told you, 19 of these properties do not have wet zoning. 18 do. Youre talking about 50% of a two-block area having wet zoning. If thats not blanket wet zoning, I dont know what is. There are reasons we have rules about 250 feet between ab establishments. There are reasons why IT has to be away from residential. If those rules are wrong and we should allow this all over the city, then change the rules and let the whole city deal with IT. Blanket wet zoning is wrong, and there is a reason that its wrong. Ask the people in Hyde Park. Ask the Neighborhood Associations in ybor. The burden of this is going to fall on the Residents. The burden of complaining is going to fall on the Residents. The burden of reacting to those complaints is going to fall on Code Enforcement and TPD. They are doubling the occupancy. No more blanket wet zoning. IT creates chaos just like the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association said in their letter to you. Please deny this. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 11:38:36PM
Next Speaker, please. Start with your name.
Martin Shelby 11:39:23PM
Is that Paul Grove and Michelle Grove? Okay. I think thats two. For a total of three and two.
Alan Clendenin 11:39:34PM
State your name. You have five minutes. Just want to have you guys, if you could, do you have this up right now? This is what you guys were talking about the timeline and this was October 30th. We were here, a lot of US were here and have been here the whole time. Heres what was said at the council and all who attended. Neighbors, Myself, all the people here, its not going to be a raging outdoor bacchanal. You can see what the actual definition is right here. Intensely wild, unrestrained and often drunken celebration or party characterized by excessive merry making and sometimes promiscuity. Raging is what the big thing was. I also want to go ahead and use this over here now and just show you, if you can go to the elmo.
Alan Clendenin 11:40:28PM
Its now a wolf. There is a deejay. Oh, there Is Outdoor Place. Where did all this happen? Look at that crowd. Alcohol. Looks like a rage. And then here is the run. This is what we all had to witness. Outdoor amplification there. People running in the streets. Theres some more alcohol right outside in that area were talking about. There they are on the streets. And then they decided to go ahead and take a tour around the island in our neighborhood. We can go back over to here. Presentation, please. Six days later after that October 30th, before Halloween, this was the event that I just showed you 220 east. There is an advertisement for IT. Like we said, there was a lot of merry making. Some drinking, all this stuff happened In This Place that were talking about, the 220. I appreciate the apology, but we talked about honesty and trust. So where is the honesty and trust? Because when this was called in, TPD Officer Kyle Bowden -- you guys have this. You guys have this back on the other meeting that we talked about. And IT was not addressed. But this officer responded to the event and was told by Mr. Patel that IT was a permitted event. If you look there, IT says that the officer responded, there were some calls. They said IT was a running club. When the officer actually investigated, talked to Mr. Patel who was putting on the event and he has permits for the music and giveaways and IT ends at 8 pm. Further talked to Caller, advised him of findings and advised him to bring up the issue at the neighborhood meetings and he advised me that was a great idea. Well, upon checking, ouch, we talked a little bit about honesty, trust. You can see here that I think there was a communication error might have occurred. We couldnt find the permit. I just thought we would go ahead and talk about trust. Firm belief in reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Relations have to be built on trust, dont they? Communities. Neighbors, ice cream shops, bars. This is a neighborhood, By The Way. Davis Islands is a neighborhood, and the trust has been broken. Here is another definition of trust. Assured reliance on character, character, character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. Honesty, adherence to the facts. Are we adhering to the facts and have you guys been adhering to the facts? Hopefully you will say that this is not something that has been honest or truthful from the start to the finish. Incident should be enough to deny the waivers. Thank you very much.
Alan Clendenin 11:44:35PM
Thank you. After he clears and gets his stuff, next speaker, please. Robert Aberger. 540 bosphorous. 40-year resident. I swore I was done doing this you want me to be. But my passion as a champion of davis island just compelled me to speak again regarding the applicants continued efforts on this site and throughout the village. I really appreciate how hard you all work to be business friendly and to find a way to approve the various things that come in front of you. I also appreciate the champions that you are protecting residents' interests which is what I hope I can get you to focus on tonight. I know you worked hard with them to come up with a plan that works. Yes, We have a huge confidence issue. I raised three kids on the island. I used to frequent 220, never once sitting at the bar did I wish that I had a place to send my kids outside to wander around. Never once in the 40 years am I aware of an incident. What We have is a work-around to request a doubling of density, intensity and a hundred percent waiver of parking. Now, where is that parking going to go? Its forced into the residential streets. If you want to create an unsafe condition, force your alcohol-fueled customers into the residential streets. Thats where our kids are going to be at risk. Create a situation where an unenforceable site plan exists, even if you have a railing. You can have outdoor music. You can have kids, shrubs, trees, parents wandering back, who is going to enforce that. We dont have enough officers. And a doubling of intensity. Think of those numbers in that small area. This request is also inconsistent with the Davis Island Community Plan, which you all approved. The proximity of outdoor alcohol uses to residential combined with, again, the intensity, its going to erode property values. Its going to negatively affect quality of life. This further erodes the character of the island. We already have, and you were -- propositions early, Outdoor Pickleball Court adjacent to residential. We have a brand-new alcohol and beverage use with outdoor assemblage 39 feet from residential and hundred percent waiver of parking. We have a significant parking deficiency not addressed in this application. I believe there are more than sufficient grounds to ask you, please, dont negotiate on this applicants behalf. Deny this from going forward and make a stand for US to start the change in the character of our village. We dont Want Howard Avenue. We dont want mcdintons and We dont believe this should be approved. Thank you for your tomb and your patience. You know how hard IT is to get folks to stay here until midnight.
Alan Clendenin 11:47:54PM
You know how hard IT is to sit up here until midnight? Imagine the room we could have packed.
Alan Clendenin 11:48:01PM
Applicant, rebuttal. And this closes public comment, fyi. I want to start by saying that this -- I think theres some inherent misunderstanding about the fact that this exists today. Like, there is a restaurant here. There are buildings here. There are only nine spaces, seven of which We are moving To The Street. This isnt a new establishment. The occupancy has increased because were utilizing the entire building. Occupancy is set by Florida building code based off of square footages per person. Were not setting that. Thats based on the square footage of the building that exists on the site today. So I think -- this isnt a new development. I just came up here before this With The St. Croix plaza, which is two strip centers on either side of macdill with 99 spaces and were supposed to provide 87 spaces here? Without any kind of structured parking? IT doesnt make any sense. None of these other restaurants on di. Have an off-site parking agreement. None of these other restaurants on the commercial village strip have 83 spaces to park their space. To me, IT seems that were comparing code to something that exists today. This is a restaurant that exists today. We are trying to fill a gap in the current wet zoning so that our servers can walk back and forth between the building carrying a tray of drinks. We are trying to improve the safety. Yes, there have been so many neighborhood concerns about this parking lot. So many. Because of this and the interior renovations were doing in the building, We have the contractors on-site. They can move the spaces to the right-of-way and this space can be opened up again out front. I dont know what else I can say about this. I hundred percent agree that there is -- there is an inherent lack of trust here as well. I understand that. We apologize to the Run Club. IT was a huge, huge mistake, and We are completely owning that. No one is up here justifying that by any means. But with this application, We are not asking for your trust. We hope to eventually gain IT back, but We feel We have conditioned the site plan enough and changed the areas enough and done everything in our power to make this a restaurant with an existing outdoor patio that includes an existing railing there. None of this is new. This exists today. Im happy to answer any further questions you May have. Thats all I have.
Alan Clendenin 11:50:38PM
Does Council have any request he is? Hearing none, can I get a motion to close?
Lynn Hurtak 11:50:45PM
So moved.
Alan Clendenin 11:50:46PM
Motion to close from Councilwoman Hurtak. Second from Councilman Carlson. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. Ill start. I kind of agree with the applicant on what she said. I live in close proximity to Davis Islands. I go there all the time. Ive been to 220 numerous times. IT is an existing facility and existing liquor sales. They are not adding on a building. And that parking lot is kind of weird as far as urban design and development. So being able to push the parking on To The Street seems like actually a good plan to me. Being able to do that seems like a good plan. With the modification that Councilwoman Hurtak championed and I agreed with, on the reduction of the outdoor area and the restrictions with the rails so you can clearly delineate, im trying to figure out what the issue is. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 11:51:49PM
So I think the issue here is the trust. We May have to reopen the hearing to do this. But at this point, I think I would be more inclined to support this if we just take away the outside, period. And just had IT be inside alcohol space. IT would be really easy. That Way there would be no questions. And after the Applicant has developed the trust with the Community again, IT could come back and try for some outside space. You all talk about IT. Thats kind of --
Alan Clendenin 11:52:30PM
What is the sentiment on that? Is that something that would satisfy -- Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 11:52:35PM
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would support this if IT had a 51/49 as a restaurant, period. Even have the outside sit with the kids or whatever. But im not going to support IT, but this goes forever for life.
Alan Clendenin 11:52:52PM
IT is a Restaurant.
Charlie Miranda 11:52:54PM
But does IT have a 51/49 license. No one said that. Does IT have that?
Alan Clendenin 11:53:00PM
Can I get a motion to reopen the public hearing?
Lynn Hurtak 11:53:05PM
So moved.
Alan Clendenin 11:53:05PM
Second from Councilman Miranda. All in favor say Aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. We have a note that limits sales to 2 cop or srx.
Charlie Miranda 11:53:18PM
5149.
Charlie Miranda 11:53:24PM
You have to report your sales. I would support that. That Way its not a bar.
Alan Clendenin 11:53:29PM
IT is a restaurant status.
Martin Shelby 11:53:33PM
I had a question about the difference between 2 Cop and Srx for purposes of informing the Council. Reason We phrased note as 2 Cop or Srx is because if for some reason, were trying to prohibit a bar use is why We did that. We could do this -- candidly We are going to do this with an Srx.
Martin Shelby 11:53:58PM
Can you take off.
Lachone Dock 11:54:03PM
Development Coordination. The 2 Cop is the beer and wine consumption on premises. The Srx is the license that goes along with food sales. IT was the Srx. IT is now the Sfs.
Charlie Miranda 11:54:18PM
The city verifies that. You all check that once a year I think or something like that.
Lachone Dock 11:54:23PM
Locations that have the restaurant designation, They are required to report annually to Development Coordination and the city verifies the numbers and the percentages. And then with the sfs license with the state, the state, They have to do the same. They have to report the sales. Its done on both ends.
Alan Clendenin 11:54:43PM
Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 11:54:44PM
Does that mean that the 2 cop comes off and its only the Sfs in order to accommodate Councilman Miranda -- IT would have to be both.
Lachone Dock 11:54:56PM
With that note with the 2 cop and the Sfs or the srx, the old designation, that is the State license you would get. What Alex is trying to explain is someone could have lets say a straight 4 cop with the State. That allows them to have typically you would have that if you have a bar lounge use. If someone has Sfs designation with the State, its typically tied to food. IT is tied to food. You would be a restaurant. And by putting that designation, IT limits that use. Thats even further limiting the establishment. Needed.
Lynn Hurtak 11:55:40PM
But having the 2 is extra protection.
Lachone Dock 11:55:46PM
IT is. 4 Cop, beer, wine and liquor, they couldnt have IT.
Lynn Hurtak 11:55:51PM
Having both is protection.
Lynn Hurtak 11:55:58PM
I have a question for Ms. Schaler. While I know its not what you want, would you be okay with just having alcohol on the inside of the restaurant only and taking off the patio space to redevelop trust with the Community, that that outside space will be not used for alcohol and learn to rebuild the trust and then maybe come back at a later date for an outdoor patio space when the Community Feels That Way. Because right now, I dont think you have the sentiment to pass this with outside usage. IT had outside.
Charlie Miranda 11:56:48PM
When he first Bought The Place. That this outdoor sales area that is delineated in this red area here, this is the patio thats historically accommodated 220 east with tables and chairs. That wasnt part of some huge gathering with the Run Club. Were happy to say that has to be seated tables and chairs service area so that people arent just standing around holding drinks, im okay with that. Thats always been a really great component I think of the restaurant to have the patio area. Were happy to control that with tables and chairs no standing around and drinking. I think that is like such a unique part of the restaurant with the little patio, og italian, di coffee, they all have the outdoor part.
Alan Clendenin 11:57:42PM
I think the tables and chairs restricted to seated service is a reasonable compromise. IT is part of our urban life to be able to have that kind of amenity. I dont have an objection. Youre right, IT is something thats always existed. Im Good Either Way.
Lynn Hurtak 11:58:02PM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 11:58:04PM
We still have the occupancy and the parking issues. This is the third time this has been before US. I would rather vote IT down and let them deal with the public and come back again instead of doing this.
Lynn Hurtak 11:58:18PM
My question is, a Member Of The Public said that there are 348 -- occupancy for 348. Is that the inside? 243 for the inside.
Lynn Hurtak 11:58:33PM
With this new configuration, what would the new -- occupant load in the area removing. So IT will be 243 plus --
Lynn Hurtak 11:58:50PM
If you could write on the site plan in big what IT would be. 45 is the patio area.
Lynn Hurtak 11:59:11PM
Were cutting IT down to 288.
Lynn Hurtak 11:59:16PM
What is the current occupancy of 220 east? I think that is the number. That is just the one portion.
Lynn Hurtak 11:59:28PM
220 east was just the south part.
Charlie Miranda 11:59:32PM
If you go to 288, the outside, you still got the 51/9. Outside doesnt have to buy food. They can just have drinks. They can do IT outside but dont feel as comfortable outside. Theoretically, Somebody could sit down and just order drinks. IT needs overall the restaurant, chug the patio needs to meet the 51/49.
Lynn Hurtak 12:00:07AM
You have to go inside to go outside. Can You flip IT to the actual site plan? The White and the blue part will no longer be part of sales.
Alan Clendenin 12:00:17AM
Only the little red part.
Bill Carlson 12:00:23AM
Guys, its not our responsibility to negotiate all this.
Lachone Dock 12:00:28AM
Development Coordination. That area that has just been identified that will be removed from the ab sales area. IT is still area where someone can assemble, where people can assemble. I just want to state on the Record And Place IT on the record, they cannot drink -- you cant consume, you cannot serve in that area, but there can still be people gathered out there. IT doesnt eliminate the use of the area completely. IT is just the sales and consumption. Parking lot. You can gather wherever you want to gather. Candidly, if IT is a deal-breaker, Councilwoman Hurtak, for you, for Councilman Miranda, for US to remove this outdoor patio area, were willing to do that. We worked hard on the application. Dont want to see this get denied because this is an adaptive reuse of existing restaurant.
Lynn Hurtak 12:01:28AM
220 East is a restaurant that people enjoy. Just the outside gathering space at this point with the trust level of the Community, I think you would be safer to simply do an indoor establishment with no outdoor gathering whatsoever at this point because of the distrust that the Owner has created with the Community.
Alan Clendenin 12:02:03AM
I think we read the room. Sales.
Alan Clendenin 12:02:13AM
What is the waiting period to come back and ask for an outdoor area? Is IT a year? If they want to come back again and file for outdoor after a year.
Lynn Hurtak 12:02:25AM
The problem is not the outdoor area. IT is the gathering outdoors. How do you control that?
Alan Clendenin 12:02:35AM
People can gather anywhere they want to gather.
Lachone Dock 12:02:43AM
Lachone Dock, Development Coordination. I just wanted to make sure where we are now. Were removing the outdoor sales area. Were removing the blue area. We also are not using the outdoor area at all for anything. If people want to stand out there. I think I heard Councilwoman Hurtak say not to use IT at all. Stay a parking lot.
Lynn Hurtak 12:03:16AM
I like moving the parking lot out, too. But this isnt about -- this is a trust issue with the residents. I dont know how to solve that. But I dont want to stop the current -- I just hate for this Tenant, they are not the owners. They are the tenants of this space.
Alan Clendenin 12:03:38AM
What is the sentiment of Council if we remove the outdoor sales area and we still -- we moved the parking and still turfed this, how do people feel about that?
Bill Carlson 12:03:51AM
Im voting no on any of this because I think that the Applicant needs to go to the community and work IT out and come back. I dont think We ought to try and negotiate. First of all, you arent going to let The Public speak after this. We have no idea what The Public thinks on IT. There are all kinds of reasons why We can turn this down.
Alan Clendenin 12:04:09AM
Councilwoman young, what are your thoughts?
Naya Young 12:04:22AM
I agree with Councilwoman Hurtak in the sense that I really feel this is a trust issue. To be honest, I think we were all the last hearing kind of in a sense kind of shook with what we were seeing. I see both sides. I appreciate the Applicant trying to, again, work with the Community to figure out what is the best thing for both sides. But thats kind of where im at right now.
Alan Clendenin 12:04:56AM
Councilman Miranda, if we eliminated outdoor sales.
Charlie Miranda 12:04:59AM
No outdoor sales, indoor restaurant, beer, wine and liquor, thats fine. With a 41 -- 51/49 in the square building that is red, orange, whatever you want to call that color.
Alan Clendenin 12:05:17AM
I have lost track the amount of discussion on this. Councilwoman Hurtak, are you able to capture this in a motion?
Martin Shelby 12:05:24AM
May I be recognized?
Alan Clendenin 12:05:26AM
Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 12:05:27AM
Mr. Debardeleben prepared a revision sheet. Is this now current? No, its not.
Alan Clendenin 12:05:45AM
Is that basically where we are at? So that simplified at that.
Lynn Hurtak 12:05:53AM
Which changes the alcohol use or the occupancy to 242.
Alan Clendenin 12:06:00AM
Councilwoman Hurtak, would you like to make a motion?
Lynn Hurtak 12:06:03AM
I need the updated --
Bill Carlson 12:06:07AM
Before you close, can you at least one representative from the Community. You May be putting a frankenstein together and the Community --
Alan Clendenin 12:06:18AM
I dont want to upset the record. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 12:06:25AM
Well, We reopened the hearing and a great deal Has Taken Place since You reopened the hearing. Whats going to have to open if You dont open the hearing, IT will have to come back between first and second reading.
Lynn Hurtak 12:06:43AM
Is there someone in the public who wishes to raise their hand and speak on this. I figured IT would be Ms. Zomermaand.
Alan Clendenin 12:06:51AM
Ms. Zomermaand, You are now the official representative.
Lynn Hurtak 12:06:55AM
No.
Martin Shelby 12:06:56AM
Please dont designate her. That could change the record. Number one. Number two, Ms. Schaler, do you have any objection to hearing somebody speak as Councilman has just requested the opportunity to do that. But as applicant, I do believe IT is my legal right to have the last word.
Alan Clendenin 12:07:19AM
Ill bring you up for rebuttal. Ms. Zomermaand is not the official -- speaking as Ms. Zomermaand, you have three minutes.
Martin Shelby 12:07:28AM
Just to acknowledge what you are doing, you are waiving the rule that does not -- that prevents somebody who has spoken from speaking twice.
Lynn Hurtak 12:07:43AM
Im waiving the rule.
Alan Clendenin 12:07:47AM
Unanimous consent to waive the rule and allow Ms. Zomermaand to speak? Hearing no objection, Ms. Zomermaand, state your name. You have three minutes. I addressed this in the handout I gave you and the presentation that I made. They right now are saying 243 people that They are requesting inside the restaurant. That restaurant right now only allows occupancy of 128 people. They are increasing the occupancy by 115 people. The outdoor area thats covered currently has 36 people that are allowed. This is from the other Ab Sales Site Plans. They now want 45. IT is a nine person difference. Now, the 60 people that are outside are apparently not going to be out there, but that whole area is going to be turfed over and theres going to be people out there, and They have been refusing since day one to say how They are going to use that space and how many people are going to be there. If you take out the 60, They are increasing from 164, They are adding an additional 124 people. You dont know what youre approving here because They havent told you. And then you also know what I gave you before, here is the letter that was from David Hunter where hes talking about a similar question, he says, the lack of off-street parking will have negative impacts such as neighborhood impact, Increased On Street parking demand leads to congestion and disputes with neighboring property owners or restaurants. Safety concerns, insufficient, improperly located parking areas, increases the risk for pedestrians and drivers due to traffic congestion and unsafe walking roads between business and parking area. Planning and land use conflicts, not going to read that because I want to go back into, your code says if you cant provide IT on-site you should be making a parking agreement. No one even tried to do that. They have properties They own where They could do that. The other thing is, with this change to that parking lot, and youre putting all these people -- youre putting the parking in the neighborhoods, youre potentially creating an unsafe environment. You cant -- theres nothing in here that says its safer. When They looked at that with the City, there was only 164 people on that site. Now we know that youre going to have 348 less 60. So 288. You dont know how that full outdoor area thats going to be turfed according to what They say is going to be used. I think youre going to have a lot of people on that turf area. I think if you approve this, the neighborhood is going to be a More Dangerous Place for our residents and the people that are living and walking in the neighborhoods. I do own property within 500 feet. I see the parking. Im not making IT up saying IT is very congested now and IT will be worse. Thank you for letting US have a second opportunity.
Lynn Hurtak 12:11:01AM
Mr. Shelby, can I ask her a question? He says no.
Alan Clendenin 12:11:09AM
Wouldnt that be --
Martin Shelby 12:11:13AM
Absolutely.
Alan Clendenin 12:11:20AM
Before Applicant has rebuttal.
Martin Shelby 12:11:23AM
Every Person that comes up to testify, if You have a question, You can --
Lynn Hurtak 12:11:29AM
What we just decided is there will be no outdoor ab sales. 36 goes away --
Lynn Hurtak 12:11:38AM
No, but were taking that out.
Lynn Hurtak 12:11:42AM
There will be no outdoor space whatsoever. So my question is, is there a problem with the restaurant thats been there for 20 years? Im asking currently, with the parking thats there --
Lynn Hurtak 12:12:01AM
You dont like the restaurant there now. Im saying that with the existing restaurant and I did raise my children in the neighborhood, there was a parking problem as IT currently exists with 128 people inside. And thats been -- everyone can nod their heads. We all know IT is a problem.
Lynn Hurtak 12:12:24AM
Basically theres nothing but bringing IT back to its current form would be okay. Im saying if They want to increase the occupancy, They need to come up with some parking solutions.
Lynn Hurtak 12:12:46AM
Thank you. I appreciate that. I have a question for staff.
Leo Debardeleben 12:12:57AM
Development Coordination.
Lynn Hurtak 12:12:58AM
I May not know the answer to this. In my understanding, 128 was for half the building. The other half of the building was other things, including another restaurant, do we know what the occupancy of that restaurant was?
Leo Debardeleben 12:13:15AM
There wasnt an alcohol approval for that unit, so I wouldnt have IT in the documents that I have prepared. So that would have been done when they got the certificate of occupancy for that space.
Lynn Hurtak 12:13:29AM
If I remember correctly, the last thing IT was, was a Pizza Place.
Leo Debardeleben 12:13:33AM
Right.
Lynn Hurtak 12:13:34AM
IT didnt need --
Leo Debardeleben 12:13:36AM
They would still meet occupancy. That is a building code requirement. So They are adding -- that additional occupancy is based on Them adding that additional unit.
Lynn Hurtak 12:13:48AM
Maybe ms. Johnson-Velez can help me here. Im having a really hard time because they are concerned about having more occupancy, but the building occupancy has not changed overall, has IT?
Susan Johnson-Velez 12:14:04AM
Ms. Schaler can confirm. Susan Johnson-Velez, Legal. My understanding and the graphic that was shown I think at the hearing in December was that there was ab occupancy or occupancy where the 220 restaurant is, there was -- occupancy at the pizza restaurant, and then there was a gap. He said IT was a gap. So there was no -- I dont know what was in there. I think there was testimony that there was a laundromat there maybe. I dont know what the occupancy of that business would have been. But for staffs purposes, I think Mr. Debardeleben has the occupancy based on the existing ab permit thats on 220. I dont think there was an ab permit on The Pizza Place, so he doesnt have that based on an ab, but there is an occupancy load based on their certificate of occupancy. I just dont know that we have the information here this evening.
Lynn Hurtak 12:14:59AM
I guess thats the thing im having trouble with. IT seems to me that the occupancy of the whole space just hasnt changed. In terms of like --
Susan Johnson-Velez 12:15:11AM
The piece that was the laundromat, thats probably changing, I would imagine. I dont know what that -- yeah, its going from -- yeah.
Lynn Hurtak 12:15:25AM
Okay. Okay.
Charlie Miranda 12:15:30AM
If I Remember Way back, and I used to go there twice a month, That Place does not hold 420 something inside the restaurant. IT holds like I would say no more than 150 maximum. Inside.
Alan Clendenin 12:15:48AM
Why dont -- does anybody have any questions of Staff before we go to rebuttal? You have questions for Staff.
Bill Carlson 12:15:55AM
I want to make a quick comment.
Alan Clendenin 12:15:59AM
Comments after we close.
Bill Carlson 12:16:01AM
No, but I want the Applicant to have a chance to respond. The thing is, just because somebody in the past didnt require sufficient parking doesnt mean that We shouldnt do IT. And if the ones next to them dont have IT maybe in the future, there needs to be some parking solutions in that area. I love the restaurant. The expansion, all this is great, but there are growing pains to this area and We have figure out what to do about IT.
Alan Clendenin 12:16:41AM
Applicant, rebuttal. To Councilwoman Hurtak's point, yeah, this building exists. Were not adding any kind of square footage. This is not getting bigger, not expanding. There was a wet zoning for what was og pizza. Wet zoning for what is 220 east which is what the application is for tonight. We are combining this into one single restaurant. There is that gap we need to fill but two active ab permits on the site already. Two active ab permits already. Again, the reason the occupancy is increasing is because we are eating up that gap in the middle and eating up og pizza. Building footprint hasnt changed at all. This is the same square footage. Even when og pizza was open and people were using and parking there. Understood, Councilman Carlson, maybe there is a parking concern on the island. Ive never had issues when ive gone. Thats not testimony. Thats just me saying that. I dont think that starts with this application. Adaptive reuse moving seven stalls from the site to the right-of-way. Again, if we were increasing the building square footage and adding a bunch of areas and stuff like this completely understand. We are adaptively reusing the existing restaurant. Im happy to answer any further questions.
Alan Clendenin 12:18:02AM
Were going to pause for a minute.
Bill Carlson 12:18:05AM
Was IT still a Laundromat in between.
Bill Carlson 12:18:16AM
I remember IT when IT was a Yogurt Store. The footprint of the building is not changing.
Bill Carlson 12:18:26AM
But the coverage of the restaurant is changing. Do you expect that theres going to be more traffic or more cars because the use is changing of the other two spaces? Were filling, that wouldnt have been deemed restaurant occupancy originally. I think thats negligible. I dont think that has an effect on any kind of current parking problem that the village May or May not be facing. There have been two restaurants that existed simultaneously in the history of the site. I do not believe combining this into a single restaurant is going to change that parking demand there in a way thats substantial.
Alan Clendenin 12:19:08AM
If we have no further questions.
Leo Debardeleben 12:19:13AM
Development Coordination. I would like to state on the record that even though the outdoor area is going away in terms of ab sales consumption area, that IT still is an area for people to assemble.
Alan Clendenin 12:19:26AM
That information has already been submitted. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 12:19:31AM
The Owner is not available, is not here tonight, correct?
Lynn Hurtak 12:19:40AM
Because we have heard testimony from the public that the Owner has access to other parking areas. If parking is the issue, I would say that we need to add more parking that the Owner of the property has available to them. And if thats the parking lot Across The Street, I dont know how many spaces that has, but between first and second reading, I would need those spaces to be included. And how many spaces each one. Definitely something willing to explore. I think the parking is an issue because thats the issue thats available to be used tonight. Every other restaurant on this strip operates with the same exact situation of the right-of-way parking.
Lynn Hurtak 12:20:38AM
I greatly understand that, but I think, again, what the Public is saying, is that this Owner has purchased many of the properties in this space, and then has been privatizing the parking for other uses. And thats adding a squeeze. So by not having your Owner here to be able to answer some of this, I think is a big problem. To attend tonight. He has eight months of physical therapy. Apologies. He was planning to attend.
Lynn Hurtak 12:21:16AM
I understand that. I dont see how this goes forward in its current state, but I also am really, really -- im very concerned about the Small Business that I know that the Island Residents do want to support and do love. I hate to say this at 12:21 in the morning, I hate to say this, but, God, this has been a night of this, where nothing is working.
Bill Carlson 12:21:54AM
We spent the whole day talking about shutting down businesses, including really famous ones.
Lynn Hurtak 12:22:01AM
I know.
Alan Clendenin 12:22:03AM
I think We should move Ford with eliminating the outdoor sales area, eliminating the outdoor sales area. Lets go to second reading, and We can raise the concerns of parking at that time. We talk about urbanism and We talk about this a lot. IT is a classic example of that.
Lynn Hurtak 12:22:24AM
This is not urbanism. This, according to the testimony of the public is someone purchasing property and then not using IT for the good of the community. Taking away parking spaces.
Alan Clendenin 12:22:37AM
The case before US is over one parcel.
Lynn Hurtak 12:22:40AM
I know. But thats not how the residents are viewing this.
Alan Clendenin 12:22:45AM
I understand that. But in -- how we as a deciding body.
Lynn Hurtak 12:22:49AM
Correct. But I will make very clear, I will approve this on first reading, but I will quickly not vote for second reading if the Owner isnt here to talk about parking. Im happy to come back with more data to make sure we can get there. Im willing to do that.
Alan Clendenin 12:23:05AM
Councilwoman Hurtak, would you like to make a motion. Do we have a motion to close?
Lynn Hurtak 12:23:12AM
Motion to close.
Alan Clendenin 12:23:13AM
Motion to close from Councilwoman Hurtak. Second from Councilwoman Young. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Totally forgot we were still open.
Alan Clendenin 12:23:31AM
Is that a 12:23 am. Accuracy statement?
Lynn Hurtak 12:23:36AM
Okay. Ill predicate this by saying -- well, ill predicate IT afterward. Ab -- file ab 2-25-21, ordinance being presented for first reading consideration, an ordinance approving a special use permit su-2 for alcoholic beverage sales, restaurant consumption on premises only and making lawful the sale of beverages regardless of alcoholic content, beer, wine and liquor, I thought this was -- beer, wine and liquor on that certain lot, plot or tract of land located at 218 and 220 East Davis Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, as more particularly described in section 3, providing that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict are repealed, repealing ordinance number 2009-76, providing an effective date. Including the revised revision sheet that amends the wet zone area, legal description, and wet zone survey to update the site data table to remove the blue from the site plan, to remove the outdoor seating area, to remove the outdoor ab sales area, sorry, add -- no, thats no longer -- update occupancy on the site plan and site data table, update parking waiver consistent with new occupancy, only indoor ab sales area allowed. No outdoor amplified music. Amplified sound. So thats the motion. Do I have a second.
Alan Clendenin 12:25:29AM
We have a motion. Is there a second? Second from Councilman Miranda.
Lynn Hurtak 12:25:35AM
However, I want to add that I expect to hear something about other properties this Owner has that can be used for public parking in between now and second reading.
Alan Clendenin 12:25:51AM
Mr. Shelby, you have something to say at 12:25 am.
Martin Shelby 12:26:00AM
The Applicant had said other conditions, I dont know whether those other conditions --
Alan Clendenin 12:26:05AM
They were already noted on the site plan.
Martin Shelby 12:26:08AM
Is that true for Staff? What about the special event issue.
Lynn Hurtak 12:26:14AM
Already on.
Alan Clendenin 12:26:15AM
These are additions. We have a motion. We have a second. Roll call, please.
Lynn Hurtak 12:26:24AM
Yes.
Naya Young 12:26:26AM
Yes. Hes absent.
Bill Carlson 12:26:29AM
No.
Charlie Miranda 12:26:32AM
[Inaudible]
Alan Clendenin 12:26:33AM
Yes.
The Clerk 12:26:34AM
Motion carried with Carlson voting no. Viera absent at vote, and Maniscalco abstaining. Second reading and adoption will be held on February 19, 2026 at 10 am. At old city hall, located at 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, third floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602.
Lynn Hurtak 12:26:57AM
Just one moment. Ms. Schaler, I would highly recommend trying to get Community to chat with you before second reading to talk a little bit more about this. This is really just about trust.
Alan Clendenin 12:27:11AM
That being said that concludes our regular business of this Tampa City Council session. Thank you. Have a good night, guys. Is there any new business? Councilman Carlson?
Bill Carlson 12:27:23AM
We wasted a lot of time today because The Mayor decided to do a flex and got her staff to scare a bunch of people whose houses flooded. This Mayor is a lame duck. Her popularity is in the pits. We should never let her do this again. These folks should never have had to come today and talk about nothing. The Mayor drew a line in the sand unnecessarily and scared people. We should have called her bluff and made her see if she would cancel this project because she wouldnt have. Please, guys, dont let her do this to US again. No reason why those folks should have to come here and be upset. There are plenty of solutions for them. As we know, she gets her staff to not tell the truth or not tell the whole truth. Its really disgusting and the public knows IT. Please dont let them get away with this anymore. Thank you.
Alan Clendenin 12:28:15AM
Councilman young, any new business?
Naya Young 12:28:19AM
Very quickly, I just wanted to highlight a couple of community events and visits that I had. I did a human trafficking bus tour which was very informational. IT was just to give you a different perspective, a lot of the areas that we tour actually within my district, and we actually while on the bus actually seeing things in action. So IT was very, very enlightening, but we got a lot of information and I would just emphasize people to, you know, be aware of your surroundings. Learn more, get more information, especially with events coming into the city. We learned that is actually a time where high human trafficking happens. And there are resources online to help you, who to call if you see something or what signs to look for. Theres also, ive been -- ive attended two of the redistricting open houses. The last one at the hanna city center. IT was a really, really great turnout and really awesome to see the community come out, ask a lot of questions. I know the Planning Commission said IT was one of the biggest turnouts and they were really happy that people were coming in and were really interested. Two virtual meetings coming up in February, and then the Planning Commission public meetings, they are coming up as well. I cannot remember the times or the dates because IT is 12:30. But if you go to Planning Commission website, all the information is there. The well is opening their second location in West Tampa, they are going to have pediatrics, a smoothie bar, but also an optometrist. Really nice. Happy to see that come to fruition. Also attended West Tampa design community workshop which is also very well attended. I like to go to these community events because its really great to have people come out and really be engaged in their community and actually being a part of the decision making process which I work -- work a lot of community engagements. Its good for me because I like to see people being a part of the process. If you are not a part of the process, then you are like how did this happen. I wanted to highlight some of those things. And then also, just informing council members that -- and the community, ybor resident or business owner, we have the February 2, 6 pm. Pedestrian safety meeting. IT is a community town hall on safety in ybor, which just had the planning meeting which was very, very -- IT was a great planning meeting. Im really looking forward to this. I think its really going to be a really positive experience for everybody. That was the spirit in which I made the motion, for IT to be a positive experience for both city, myself, and for the residents and anyone that attends that meeting. Im looking forward to IT. Im looking forward for IT to be a positive experience for everybody. I am done.
Alan Clendenin 12:31:34AM
Thank you.
Lynn Hurtak 12:31:34AM
Well Built Communities has another drop-in center?
Naya Young 12:31:42AM
No, the well. Dr. Vaughn. She was a location in East Tampa and now she is opening another one by west river.
Lynn Hurtak 12:31:52AM
Too many wells.
Naya Young 12:31:54AM
Its going to be really, really nice. Really cool.
Alan Clendenin 12:31:58AM
Councilwoman Hurtak, do you have any new business?
Lynn Hurtak 12:32:00AM
No. Just wanted to say im looking forward to the ybor meeting and hope all of US can attend that. I think its incredibly important that we all hear what the Community has to say after that horrible accident.
Alan Clendenin 12:32:11AM
Councilman Miranda? Can I get a motion to receive and file? Motion from Councilman Miranda. Second from Councilwoman Hurtak to receive and file. All those in favor aye. Opposed? Ayes have IT. We are adjourned. [ sounding gavel disclaimer: this file represents an unedited version of realtime captioning which should neither be relied upon for complete accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript. Any person who needs a verbatim transcript of the proceedings May need to hire a court reporter. © - City Of Tampa (813) 274-8211