From Mayor Joe Affronti:
I have read the , and it appears that there is a misunderstanding regarding the Developer's obligation under the MDA (Master Development Agreement).
As we have repeatedly stated at our Town Hall meetings, the developer is under no obligation to build condos but is obligated to build “multi-family.” As they have stated, they would like to build condos, but there is no market for them at this time, and it is almost impossible to obtain bank financing to build them. One of the largest and most highly qualified real estate investment companies, Inland Atlantic, has proposed to build 214 high-quality apartments that will increase our density and be more attractive to potential retailers. Under the old Torti Gallis Plan, they were proposing to build more than 1,100 residential units in the same area.
I agree that the green space looks great, but, unfortunately, the green space will not generate any revenue to service the $24 million debt that the City of Temple Terrace has incurred for our redevelopment effort.
The original and current intent of our redevelopment is to create a sense of place, get rid of the blight, create a mixed-use walkable community, create jobs and increase our tax base that would be invested in our city to benefit all citizens. In our last budget workshop, our chief finance officer reported that our overall property values are projected to decrease by 4 percent next year, but the property values in our redevelopment area are projected to increase by 1.7 percent. This is a good indication of how a completed redevelopment project could benefit our city financially.
No one will disagree that what has been done by , thus far has been wonderful in transforming the once blighted area to a beautiful beginning of our new Town Center. Since our initial Town Hall meeting in February, Vlass has made many changes to their initial plan based upon the concerns of our citizens.
The option of not moving forward with this project, in my opinion, would put our city in a very precarious financial position. We absolutely need to move forward with this project.
D.R. Horton and other building companies are still building condos/townhomes and selling them. This is just an excuse for Vlass. Vlass has not even completed his end of the deal for the beginning phases. So he put a facelift on the Sweetbay complex and tore down the old Publix, these were the easy parts. This all comes down to maximizing profits, they want to develop the cheapest way possible. Call Vlass about leasing some space by Sweetbay, see how much they are charging per foot. Compared to other leasing opportunities in the area I think you will be shocked.
What about citizens who did not attend Town Hall meetings? They were sold on the concept of "CONDOS". You can put lipstick on your pig Affronti, but it is still a pig. Don't try and put the fault for this off on someone else. Wood frame apartments will kill this project. Your already renting to trash commercial tenants. This is not Washington DC or Chicago Mr Mayor. We are not going to let you and your cronies do as you please. WE DO NOT WANT CRAPPY WOOD FRAME SECTION 8 APARTMENTS, PERIOD, end of story. Get your head out of rump and do the will of the people or resign.
While seeking advice for this project the city has consistantly failed to avail itself of local experiences and resources. You aren't remaking the wheel here. The USF Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning can provide support and evidence that your consultant from UCF seemed to ignore in his presentation. Developments like the one you're planning must been seen in the larger context of your city, not as a closed system. Jason Richardson M.A. 2012 USF Dept Of Geography, Planning, and Environment
Let's think about current state of affairs, what do Temple Terrace taxpayers have to be concerned about? THE CITY’S LEADERSHIP…..all current problems are the result of previous government fixes for what private real estate developers should have speculated/risked their own $$$ and built according to existing city development codes. Why does Mayor always think citizens have a “MIS-UNDERSTANDING” of what he did? Affronti got the Bronze for his redevelopment efforts. As Councilman & Mayor without letting the taxpayers vote to approve, he helped purchase land at inflated prices with lease obstacles to redevelopment, he signed the contract terms (MDA) with developer Vlass then cast deciding vote giving Vlass title to land which taxpayers are still paying approx $23 million in loans for after he help turn down first 2 developer who offered actual $$$ to purchase the same land. AND NOW HE HAS THE NERVE TO SAY... “he believes lack of new jobs business expansion and economic growth was result of government’s intervention in the private sector with rules regulations and dictates that inhibit growth.” Thats Unbelieveable not misunderstood!
Carol Dell
I guess we can find out at the Forum to Introduce Temple Terrace Candidates sponsored by the Temple Terrace Bar Association at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club on Tuesdday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. ( or 6 pm as I have seen in some places). Carol Dell
I get that we are going to have to accept apartments because that or the way the MDA was written. That's fine; let's move on. What I don't get is why our elected Mayor seems to be more invested in the desires of the Developer than the desires of his constituents. It seems as though the Vlass team and the Mayor want to follow the MDA to the letter where it helps them (apartments), but not where they disagree (retail). You should not get to "pick and choose" when you see fit on this important project.
Kind of historical don't you think, besides the beginnings of redevelopment plan foolishness came from the NE Urban area redevelopment not our suburban community.
Carol Dell
This deal was done in a back room and done on a night where an opponent councilman was gone and PROMISED no vote would take place. It was voted on and magically the paperwork was ALREADY TYPED UP. It was signed in the back room right after the meeting was done so there could be no re vote. The majority of the residents who are not idiots do not support this pig. As far as fiduciary responsibility goes YOU GAVE AWAY 22 MILLION DOLLARS. so much for that thought. right now the city is cutting everything AGAIN as they have done for the past 5-6 years because they do not have any money in the coffers to cover the bills. They are still paying on the property though and now cutting personnel and services. so Vlass won't be put out or anything he'll be doing fine with this deal. Let's come together all right, to throw this bum out, take back the property and do it properly. New mayor, new City manager new councilman should be able to put this close to the right track. Wishing or wanting does not make it happen. Negativity is a point of view. Yours is obviously skewed...badly
The June 30 2009 Special Council meeting was set well in advance and all Council Members kinew that this was going to be a meeting to vote the proposed MDA up or down. Every Council Member ws initially called before setting the meeting date and ALL members initially agreed with the date. It was after all arrangements were made that one Council Member decided to go out of town. After many months of negotiations and costing our City many thousands of dollars we called this special meeting. The meeting started at 9:00 AM and at approximately12:00 noon I suggested that the attorneys for both parties meet to try to resolve the outstanding issues.. The attorneys worked out all of the legal issues and at approximately 2:00 PM the Attorneys,Staff, Council Members and Vlass's Team reconvenied in the "back room" and and reviewed each legal issue point by point to mke sure both parties were in agreement. With all legal issues resolved three of us decided that based upon our consultant's conclusion that our City would receive a great financial benefit we voted to accept the terms of the MDA. It was never intended to meet without a vote,that was the purpose of the meeting. The papers were drawn up that evening to reflect the modifications made to the MDA as a result to the meeting between Attorneys. How could they possibly been made up in advance without knowing what if any modifications would occurr READ THE MINUTES