Politics & Government

Downtown Redevelopment Project Still at Impasse

City officials and developer Vlass Temple Terrace have not yet reached an agreement on how to move forward.

Temple Terrace’s downtown redevelopment project was moving swiftly until March when the at the northeast corner of the site.

The plans didn’t include retail space on the first floor of the buildings, which residents and council members said was integral to the walkable community that the city wants to build. Vlass said getting financing for that type of mixed use is impossible in today’s market.

In a story that appeared in the Tampa Bay Times Aug. 3, Vlass’s attorney, David L. Smith said the weak economy makes attracting retailers difficult. Having too many empty glass storefronts would make the apartments less desirable to renters.

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The story also includes mention of an and brought before the City Council by Councilwoman Alison Fernandez. The alternative calls for moving the apartments south of Chicago Avenue.

Before the Vlass group could analyze the alternative, it would need to know the particulars of the request from the city, according to the story.

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What do you think of the continued delay in the downtown redevelopment project? Tell us in the comments.

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