Now is the time to send emails to Tampa City Council BEFORE THEIR VOTE ON FEB. 12, next Thursday. Their email that reaches all 7 members: tampacitycouncil@tampagov.net

Your email subject line should read like the headline above: DENY LAND USE REQUEST TA/CPA 24-11 and REZONING REZ 25-48.

It is important to base your objections in specifics so here are details about the proposed Magnolia hotel complex:

City Council meets Thursday February 12 at 5 pm to decide on a proposal that significantly impacts the Hyde Park Neighborhoods, the Hyde Park Historic District and surrounding Businesses and Schools.

A Palm Beach developer is proposing to build a 7-story mixed use complex on Swann Avenue near Bayshore Boulevard. The development will take up the entire block between Swann Avenue and Bay Street and bordered by Magnolia and Brevard Avenues in the Spanishtown Creek neighborhood.

The project requires a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) that radically changes potential uses for the land, as well as Rezoning. The proposed includes:

• 122 hotel rooms
•  21 condominium units
•  8 townhouses
•  4000 sq ft Event Space
•  271 space parking garage
•  230 seat restaurant
•  30 seat bistro
•  Take-out market
• Pools and overlooking decks
• Spa
• Gym

Two issues up for vote by City Council:

1. Comp Plan Amendment (TA/CPA 24-11): changes land use from R-35 (light commercial and offices, single and small multi-family residences) to CMU-35, which allows significantly increased density for a variety of commercial uses (hotels, restaurants, gyms, retail, etc.).

 IF THIS LAND USE CHANGE IS NOT APPROVED, THE PROPOSAL CANNOT PROCEED TO REZONING.

2. Rezoning Change (REZ-25-48): to “Planned Development” (PD), which allows for numerous exceptions and variances, and this proposal has many. Also, the proposed design is not part of rezoning, so conceptual drawings are used to illustrate mass and scale but can be changed entirely by the developer.

The Planning Staff and Commission as well as the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Staff did not recommend the Comprehensive Plan Amendment saying it is INCONSISTENT with the area. The ARC Staff and Commission did not recommend the Rezoning again saying it is INCONSISTENT with the historic district.

• � The parcel in question lies within the Hyde Park Local Historic District, surrounded by single-family and small multi-family residences as well as professional offices. The proposal is INCONSISTENT for intensity of uses.
• � The proposed PD is INCONSISTENT with the local Historic Guidelines in HEIGHT, MASS, SCALE and DENSITY.

The project will increase density and traffic intensity, raising significant concerns for the entire area:

• Increased Parking on neighboring streets,
• Increased noise
• The Location is outside existing mixed-use areas like the Village
• Traffic congestion, including near Gorrie and Wilson Middle School
• Storm surge and water drainage issues
• Inconsistent with the Historic District
• Increased density in Coastal High Hazard Area Guidelines
• Chaotic traffic flow
• Disruptive truck deliveries, garbage pickup, loading bays on 24-ft wide Bay St

 Please email Tampa City Council NOW! tampacitycouncil@tampagov.net