CAPT Sends Message-No Site Plan, No Action

Last night's Civic Association of Port Tampa (CAPT) yielded some "do overs" for developers. Both Casa Bella and the O'Brien properties will be on the agenda again in April. Representatives say they'll have site plans in hand at that time.

Anthony Galarza of New Millennial Homes was asked to come back to CAPT at next month's meeting with a site plan for 5 lots on South O'Brien St. New Millennial has asked for rezoning of the parcel at the end of O'Brien from IG to PD. The PD designation is needed because two of their five lots are just 50X95. I spoke to Galarza after his aborted presentation where he indicated they expect these houses to sell in the area of $160,000 and, as presented to city planning staff, all five elevations were identical. The O'Brien property abuts MacDill AFB and sits on both sides of the dead end street pictured above. Galarza will return to CAPT at the April 25th meeting where we are sure there will be many questions about garages, or lack thereof, and driveways. CAPT will have a chance to speak in support, or opposition, at the City Council meeting on April 27th.

Casa Bella representative Nicholas Husak, of Zaremba Residential Co., didn't fare any better than Galarza. Many CAPT members were prepared with pointed questions about how the Casa Bella development is going to live up to concessions made in exchange for the city vacating the street on the north side of the property. There was much concern over the builder getting 60' of right of way, but giving up a far narrower strip on the south side of the property for greenway. Pictured above, the actual paved strip is 15' wide. The approximate distance from the Casa Bella wall to the drainage ditch is 30-35' as the wall location steps back in some areas. (I think this gives it some welcome variety, and is far better than the tall wall built at the south side of Camden Apartments.)

Husak didn't have a site plan either, and admitted to not knowing much about the greenway plans. He did however assure those present that the utility poles currently in the middle of the paved path will be removed and a top coat put on. The developer will also be landscaping the length of the path so it will indeed feel like a greenway as opposed to an alley. Husak also said they have paid for a design team to take a look at the boardwalk to Old Tampa Bay and reiterated that if it is built the walk will be open for public use.

We look forward to seeing Galarza and Husak again, with the information they need to answer our questions.