Times Columnist Warns that Redevelopment Could Attract Walmart

Tampa Bay Times Columnist Daniel Ruth wrote about the Temple Terrace downtown redevelopment project Oct. 21.

In the column, he described the differences of opinion that the City of Temple Terrace and developer Vlass Temple Terrace have expressed regarding the residential aspect of the project.

“Why this is even an issue is a bit befuddling,” Ruth wrote. “Anyone who has ever visited ‘downtown’ Westchase has noticed a very utilitarian mix of first-floor retail with residential units above them.”

But Ruth warned that development attracts big box chain stores.

“A curmudgeon might suggest Temple Terrace forget the whole thing and be happy with the quiet, delightful little place that it is,” he wrote. “After all, the city need only look at other developed areas for some object lessons in ambition.

“Sure Temple Terrace might resolve its differences and create its own faux Mayberry-on-the-Hillsborough. Then what? Walmart, that’s what.”

Read the entire column here.

Do you agree with Ruth’s observations? Or do you think he’s off base? Tell us in the comments.

See also:
Redevelopment Revision Voted Down
Mayor: Impending Redevelopment Vote is ‘Most Important Decision’
Should There be More Events in the Downtown Redevelopment Area?