BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
During their board meeting Wednesday, the Tampa Housing Authority’s Commissioners approved a resolution to select McCormack Baron Salazar as the developer partner for the redevelopment of North Boulevard Homes and Bethune Hi-Rise.
During the public speaking part of the meeting, Dwight Bolden asked the Board to step up and make sure all of the organizations of West Tampa have a seat at the table during the planning process.
Board Chair, Dr. Hazel Harvey, repeated Bolden’s request, and added that it’s vital that everyone in West Tampa have a voice in the process.
Representing the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce and InTown Homes, Ed Turanchik addressed the Board, pointing out that it would be a community wide project.
“Any project that concentrates only on the redevelopment of the North Boulevard Homes property is not complete. That plan should embrace the entire community, and it should be a joint effort for the redevelopment of all of West Tampa, not just North Boulevard Homes.”
Turanchik suggested T.H.A. form a partnership with outside interests in the development of West Tampa.
T.H.A. Chief Operating Officer, Leroy Moore, responded by saying the partnerships were formed long ago when it was first decided that North Boulevard Homes would be demolished.
“We’ve had an RFQ in place for a year. We’ve also recognized the importance of the proximity of the river and developing other partnerships for land swaps. We’re putting rough ideas on paper, and now we’ve brought on board a development partner.
“Joint development of the area is what we want to do. Representatives from the landowners form the selection committee, who recommended McCormack Baron Salazar as our developer.”
Comm. Manny Alvarez said it’s about time West Tampa gets recognized.
“I’d like to see a lot of diversity there. My concern is for the elderly in that community. They have no drug store, department store, or other resources necessary to support them. I want to see what plan Salazar has to support the infrastructure of West Tampa.”
Dr. Harvey said the history of West Tampa, along with reality planning, design, and financing are key factors. I want to emphasize local residents must be a part of the planning and employment opportunity part of this project.
Urban Planning President for McCormack Baron Salazar, Sandra Moore, said community trust has to be a part of this project, or nothing else will work.
“We envision an educational corridor because there are five educational facilities along the west bank of the river, beginning at the University of Tampa and going north.”
The Board will meet again review sources to finance the project, and at that time a timetable will be set on when the project will begin.
T.H.A. Director, Jerome Ryans, warned that there are changes underway at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and they are expected to complete their reorganization in the next 160 days.
