BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
A panel from the Urban Land Institute Rose Center for Public Leadership in Land Use has concluded its study visit to Tampa by presenting recommendations for redeveloping the riverfront, specially the area northwest of downtown, which includes West Tampa.
The recommendations were revealed to Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Housing Authority CEO, Jerome Ryans, West Tampa Resident Association Leader, Mike Vinetta, and real estate developer, Ed Turanchik.
Ryans said as far as the North Boulevard Homes Public Housing Complex is concerned, they’ve met with residents for several months to discuss the future of North Boulevard Homes and the Bethune Hi-Rise Building.
“In the next 3-to-5 years, we will be redeveloping the area along the same lines as we did in Central Park. No plan has been put together yet, and our Board is reviewing material.
“Also, Robles Park will be redeveloped in the next 5-to-7 years, with the thought in mind of what to do with all the people who will be displaced.”
Ryans said the opening up of the riverfront will be instrumental in the redevelopment of West Tampa.
“The North Boulevard Homes complex was going to be torn down anyway. We are still developing partnerships to make this all happen.
Funding is the primary issue on making this happen.
“I agree with Mayor Buckhorn that the area needs to be redeveloped, and the North Boulevard Homes complex sits on 44 acres.”
Ryans said something needs to be done in West Tampa and it’s time they look at putting together the dollars to get some things done.
“There will be opportunities for business owners to present their plans and say what they want to happen. As far as providing housing I think we can do better. We’re not going to do anything to adversely affect the people we serve.”
Ryans said Turanchik also presented plans and recommendations he brought up years ago when he was part of a group trying to acquire the North Boulevard Homes property for an Olympic Village.
“Ed presented what he wants to do in West Tampa.”
