On Ballot Today: Temple Terrace Redevelopment

By GEORGE WILKENS gwilkens@tampatrib.com
Published: Aug 2, 2005

TEMPLE TERRACE - Voters weigh in today on the proposed redevelopment of Temple Terrace, the most costly proposition in the 80-year history of Hillsborough County's smallest city.
Voters are being asked to authorize bonds and a 1 mill property tax increase to help pay the city's one-fifth portion of the proposed $300 million downtown redevelopment.

Unicorp National Developments, the Orlando company vying to negotiate a contract for the public-private partnership targeting the area southeast of Busch Boulevard and 56th Street, proposes a ``lifestyle street.'' Plans call for a bike trail, river walk, gardens, interactive fountain and other features emphasizing the Hillsborough River.

The mixed-use project, to be developed in phases over 10 years, would include town homes, retail shops, boutiques, restaurants and a parking garage. Plans are to include a new city hall and cultural center in the ``New Urbanism'' design.

Proponents and opponents have lobbied neighbors, distributed yard signs and created Web sites espousing their views.

Proponents say redevelopment of the business district will dramatically enhance the commercial core, improve the business climate and boost the tax revenue base.

``It's crucial for our city,'' Mayor Joe Affronti said Monday. The target area, now the site of an old shopping center, will continue to deteriorate if no action is taken, he said.

``A lot of naysayers say [the proposed redevelopment plan] is too big, it's too this, it's too that, but nobody came up with another idea.''

Redevelopment, the mayor said, is an ideal way to increase the tax base and revenue to keep up with the rising cost of municipal services. ``I'd much rather have a 1 mill increase to build something beautiful for our city that will have long- term positive effects than to have a 1 mill increase just to support our services.''

Businessman Ken Tozier and other foes say the plan is too grandiose and contend the city should explore options.

``If it passes, I am afraid that these people think it is a license to proceed with the plan they put in place,'' which includes 842 condominiums and parking for thousands of vehicles, Tozier said. ``The introduction of an urban-scape into this suburban community, I think, will be a change you would never want to make.

``I think if it fails, the administration needs to take this as a healthy message,'' Tozier said, citing residents' concerns about additional traffic and other redevelopment issues.

Today it comes down to a simple yes or no vote on a 70- word ballot question.

If it fails, states the city's Web site, ``It is likely that progress on the downtown revitalization will slow to a crawl and the city's new downtown will not be realized for many years, if ever.''

The tax increase would cost the owner of a $150,000 house with a homestead exemption an additional $125 annually.