I am glad you posted this center stage Ashley. There is no better solid support against apartments than this article. A green meadow for kids to play ball and family's to enjoy would be a better option, tax revenue hit or not.

I disagree with the bleak basic tenant of this article, redeveloping blighted strip malls will be increasingly common in the future (aka greyfield conversion), especially in Florida where they are everywhere. These greyfields are obsolete, centrally located, they already have infrastructure, and they are surrounded by mature neighborhoods. What will become scarce in the future is the alternative of pushing further and further out from the city core (sprawl), which taxes our infrastructure, gobbles up green space, and equates to hours on the road commuting.

Per the article, Temple Terrace doesn’t have to deal with a bunch of tenants because it purchased most of the redevelopment area parcels so it could convey them to the developer as a package, as an incentive. This is why the city needs to hold the line with the developer so they will construct “the citizens plan”.

The article seems to be saying if you don’t like where you live, then move. I will stay and fight, TT is worth fighting for. Redevelopment is a time honored tool that cities use to rejuvenate themselves, it has been this way for at least a hundred years.

Grant and JW well said. We need to hold the line, if nothing else a stale mate is good until we have a new Mayor and Council in place that believe in our vision and will hold true to the residents of the city. Today’s lesson focus less on the presidential election and focus on your local government offices. I have been here in the Terrace for 40 years, grew up here and know exactly how wonderful it can be. We have a gold mine here, we are in the center of Hillsborough County, and we have a beautiful golf course, loyal residents and generations of family in the Terrace. Our vision will be realized with or without Vlass.

I have had the same concerns as the Wall St Journal article. But have also thought the space would be great remaining green until we can do what needs to be done to keep the area an asset for all of us. Thanks, Grant for being positive. Get Phase 2 going so the cultural enhancements can move forward. JHW

We were so looking forward to a down town area with restaurants and stores , somewhere where we could walk too.a place to enjoy the evenings and weekends, I suggest that 5th st in Naples should be looked at as a referance point. Who is in control here the City or the Developer

Why not, until the economy turns around, a green space for families to gather for concerts and outdoor movies...and maybe a community garden?

I'm glad to see so many good comments about the redevelopment....I hope they have also been expressed to our mayor, city council, and city manager. If not here are links to their emails:
http://www.templeterrace.com/govt/manager_index.htm (city manager)

http://www.templeterrace.com/govt/council_index.htm ( mayor and city council)

Carol Dell

Here, here, to all of the above comments! Citizens of Temple Terrace (and that includes our elected officials), let us stand together strong and NOT succumb to pressure by the developer who has only his own self-interest at heart.

These are great comments! Everytime I drive past the redevelopment area I am so thankful it is not filled with 3-4-story wooden apartments with cars crammed into insufficient parking spaces.