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Politics & Government

Council Awaits More Answers in Downtown Redevelopment Project

Council members want assurances the developer will make every effort to secure retail tenants for the project.

Temple Terrace City Council members fine-tuned some of their questions and concerns about the and now are waiting for answers from the developer before taking up the issue again.

Many of the questions council members raised during the workshop session Tuesday centered around the mixture of retail and residential use on the bottom floor of three buildings in the project, said Michael Dunn, city spokesman.

Those questions were also voiced at earlier about the development.

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The council favors retail shops on the ground floor of buildings in an apartment complex that is part of the downtown redevelopment with residences on the upper floors.

The developer, Vlass Temple Terrace, has said putting retail establishments on the bottom floor may not be financially feasible in today’s market.

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Among the ideas the city and developer have discussed is to build ground floor units to suit retail needs then trying to rent them to businesses but turn to residential tenants if it is not possible.

All council members said they wanted assurances the developer would make a whole-hearted effort to secure retail occupants, Dunn said.

Council members, continuing discussions from an earlier council meeting, on Tuesday outlined their stances and concerns to the developer. Once the city receives a response, the council will hold another workshop, Dunn said.

Among the questions council members raised was whether the idea to build the first-floor units with 14-foot ceilings as proposed would be adequate for businesses.

Council member Alison Fernandez wanted an independent review of what ceiling heights would be adequate for retail establishments. Dunn said there was concern that 14 feet may not be enough for some businesses that might need higher ceilings.

And member David Pogorilich wanted upper floors to be owner-occupied rather than apartments with the bottom floor retail, Dunn said.

Originally the city wanted the 214-unit complex to be condominiums rather than rentals but that has changed.

Council members also continue to be concerned there will be adequate parking to serve retail tenants and occupants of the buildings.

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