By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS The Tampa Tribune
Published: Sep 9, 2006
BAYSHORE - The city is not ready to restrict development on Bayshore Boulevard.
After a preliminary meeting last month with residents about studying the Bayshore corridor, city officials told the city council on Thursday that it is too early to recommend a building moratorium along the scenic road.
"It is still premature," City Attorney David Smith said.
He said a development ban, such as the one enforced near MacDill Air Force Base as a result of a city-military study, only applies if there are health, safety and welfare issues. Those do not exist on Bayshore, Smith said, and there are few, if any, pending zoning applications.
The August meeting, which included Councilman John Dingfelder, zoning staff, developer representatives and civic activists, was the first step in finding out how to regulate development.
One group, the Bayshore Overlay District Committee, advocates restricting building heights and encouraging minimum setbacks.
The city is expected to recommend changes to its comprehensive plan and zoning code rather than creating an overlay district. City staff are expected to update the council in October on possible changes and report to the Hillsborough Planning Commission in December.
Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena said she is disappointed the process is not moving faster. She said she has heard from residents who want strict development restrictions, including a temporary ban until a study is completed.
Reporter Michael H. Samuels can be reached at (813) 835-2109 or msamuels@tampatrib.com.
