CHANNEL DISTRICT - Plans to build two 30-story residential towers in the Channel District are one step closer to reality.
The City Council early Jan. 9 voted 4-2 to allow the Towers of Channelside, a 260-unit condo project across from the Channelside entertainment complex.
The project includes a three-story parking garage, 15,000 square feet of street-level retail and commercial spaces, as well as a 20,000-square-foot health club and a 60-foot waterfall. Developers envision one- to three-bedroom units priced at $275,000 to $325,000.
Council chairwoman Linda Saul-Sena and council member Rose Ferlita opposed the zoning vote, saying they thought the buildings were too tall.
The site of the proposed towers is a 2.8-acre spot near 415 S 12th St. owned by Fogarty Van Lines. Bound by Cumberland Avenue, Meridian Street and 12th Street, it sits across the street from the Channelside entertainment complex and next to the Tampa Port Authority's parking garage.
To proceed with the project, developers must presell 50 to 60 percent of the units to get backing from the bank.
Vote is postponed on boutique, hotel
HISTORIC HYDE PARK - The City Council last week delayed action until Jan. 22 on a proposal to build a four-story, 86-room boutique hotel across from the famous Bern's Steak House. David Laxer, son of Bern's founder, Bern Laxer, wants to build a restaurant, wine shop, spa and parking garage along S Howard Ave.
Council members urged Bern's officials to consider improving buffers, landscaping and sidewalks. They directed the developer to meet with neighbors again and discuss the project further with the Architectural Review Commission.
Townhouse project gets initial approval
BON AIR - Local officials approved a comprehensive plan amendment Monday that could pave the way for townhouses near one of South Tampa's busiest intersections.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to change the land-use designation for 11 lots on both sides of Roland Street, between Dale Mabry Highway and Sterling Avenue. The parcels are one block south of Kennedy Boulevard.
The change, which must still be approved by City Council, allows up to 20 residential units per acre. The first of two readings before council is scheduled for Feb. 12 at City Hall, 315 E Kennedy Blvd.
Community service project to mark King holiday
DOWNTOWN - In remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., more than 150 volunteers will take part in a day of community service on Monday. The fourth annual event is being organized by the University of Tampa, which is partnering with the Mayor's Beautification Program.
Volunteers will meet at UT's campus at 8 a.m. and head to various sites to plant landscaping, including Fair Oaks Park, Grant Park, the Sulphur Springs pool and medians along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
For information, call Angela Lauer at 253-3333, ext. 3363.
