First, I hope you are safe and weathered Debby without any mishaps. As I write this belatedly Monday afternoon the water level at Picnic Island is over 2 and a half feet above predicted. The small high tide early this morning was one of the 5 highest readings NOAA has recorded for that location. This afternoon could set the record.

I’m behind on writing up on the CIP budget, I’m holding off until after today’s workshop. I’ve also not gotten the wrap up written. However, the purpose of this post isn’t for that, it’s to highlight what Council will be voting on this week. Check the site later this week or there will be links to all of the new posts next Monday. Thanks again for caring about the city.

CRA

Council sits as the CRA Board Thursday. There will be one significant vote taken. $5 million from the downtown district for preliminary work to extend the street car. A motion made September 14, 2023 passed unanimously to approve the spending, this is the actual reallocation of funds. There are a lot of moving parts to getting the street car extended, and everything hinges on the initial funding to get the required environmental analysis and a preliminary design. A lot has changed since this motion passed.

Evening Land Use

First on the agenda is the follow up and final vote on the code changes for Ybor parking. There were some last minute language adjustments to help clarify questions raised by the residents and businesses in Ybor. One concern residents had was language about existing lots and exemptions. This language makes clear the only parking lots that will be considered conforming with the new section of code are ones that have BLC approval and continue to be in accordance with that approval. There is no “grandfather clause” for non-conforming lots. All lots whether they charge or not must meet the new standards. Lots that charge must also meet the additional security standards.

Item 2 is a second request for continuance on a Future Land Use change for the block on the SE corner of Florida and Columbus in Tampa Heights.

Item 5 is an application for a South Tampa lot split. These can get testy.

Item 6 is an application for a Tampa Heights lot split.

Item 7 is a rezone for an odd piece of land tucked up against 2-75.

The remaining agenda items were mis-noticed or withdrawn.