By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS The Tampa Tribune
Published: Jan 11, 2007
BAYSHORE - Long considered a scenic corridor, Bayshore Boulevard could soon carry that official designation.
City staff want the Hillsborough Planning Commission to consider comprehensive plan changes "to reflect the varying aesthetic qualities and historic development pattern along the corridor."
The scenic corridor designation also would need approval from the state Department of Community Affairs.
Along with the designation, the city wants to create a zoning overlay district to regulate development along Bayshore, including building mass and scale, the establishment of scenic easements, street and landscape requirements, signage and the location of utility easements.
"We are going to look at a bunch of things," city planning and development coordinator Abbye Feeley said. "It's really to preserve the characteristics of the area."
Feeley said the city will hold public meetings in March to flesh out feedback.
"I think we need to protect the scenic corridor," said Karen Crawford, who lives in Bayshore Gardens. "It's a step. It's a start."
Residents first met with city staff in August. They agreed Bayshore should be protected as a scenic corridor to preserve its linear park and appearance.
Residents' concerns include the influx of high-rises along Bayshore and additional signage that would distract from the view of Hillsborough Bay.
Residents and city council members were upset in November when big, black signposts were erected along Bayshore to direct drivers to Tampa General Hospital.
The council called for one of the posts, at Newport Avenue, to be removed. The council will discuss the posts, along with the scenic corridor designation, during its meeting today.
Julie Whitney, a member of the Bayshore Overlay District Committee, which has been leading the charge to preserve Bayshore, said the proposed rules are a step in the right direction.
The committee originally proposed a 120-foot maximum building height and 40-foot front yard setbacks.
"I think we've got the guidelines now so we can sit down and look at it," Whitney said. "We have been waiting for this."
She said she's looking forward to ironing out details at meetings.
"It all looks and sounds like everything we were talking about," Whitney said. "It looks positive and encouraging and a step in the process."
The commission is set to discuss the scenic corridor designation at a public hearing in February.
Reporter Michael H. Samuels can be reached at (813) 835-2109 or msamuels @tampatrib.com.
