BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Tuesday, during the regular meeting of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership, (ETCRP), an announcement was made that a national chain was interested in building a store in East Tampa drew criticism from some of those attending the meeting.
Wal-Mart is currently looking at building a super center on the property formerly occupied by Abraham Chevrolet, on 19th Street and E. Hillsborough Avenue.
However, Mayor Bob Buckhorn said that while Wal-Mart has expressed an interest in the property on E. Hillsborough Avenue, nothing is set in stone.
Mayor Buckhorn said, “Wal-Mart is looking at the site, but I haven’t seen any plans, nor has anyone here. They have filed for administrative waivers as part of their due diligence investigation. We don’t respond to rumors, but I haven’t signed off on anything.”
Mayor Buckhorn further stated, “If they were to come into the area, they would bring jobs and much needed shopping opportunities for East Tampa and would revitalize the site on East Hillsborough that has been vacant and abandoned for six or seven years.”
In addition to having applied for administrative waivers, the company has also applied for the installation of a traffic light at 19th Street and E. Hillsborough Avenue. The City’s Transportation Department has already granted approval. The company is waiting on approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Ms. Ali Glisson, Public Affairs Director for the City of Tampa said, “We have received numerous inquiries from the public about a proposed Wal-Mart along Hillsborough Avenue.
“When contacted by the City of Tampa, Wal-Mart acknowledged that they are still very interested in the referenced site. However, they said that they are in the early process of site investigation and have not finalized the transaction.”
Bill Wertz, spokesperson for Wal-Mart said, “Wal-Mart does have an interest in this property as the possible site for one of our Supercenters. I can’t give you many details at this point, as we are just in the very early stages of talking to the City about our plans.”
