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Church property may become boat yard
The potential buyer pledges to preserve the historic building, but a zoning change is needed.
By PHIL DAVIS
Published March 10, 2005
PORT RICHEY - For almost a century, the little white building near the end of James Clark Street served as a schoolhouse, community center and church. Now, if a prospective buyer's plans go through, the historic tin-roof church's next incarnation could be as a boat yard.
Port Richey resident and church member Andy Grube confirmed Wednesday that he is under contract to buy the Port Richey Community Church property at 7801 James Clark St. for $250,000.
Grube said he is drawing up ambitious plans that would employ the three-quarter-acre property as a boat yard. The church was built in 1906 to originally serve as a schoolhouse; the county recognized it as a historic building in 1995. But that recognition does not afford the property any protection.
Grube said the 3,100-square-foot church needs major renovations, but he does not intend to "crush it or tear it down."
He said it is too soon to discuss specific plans, but the church purchase is part of a personal effort to improve the area. The church's tree-shaded lot stands in sharp contrast to the commercial marine and auto repair shops across the street.
The city has long wanted to put an upscale spin on its riverfront property, but efforts so far have failed.
And Port Richey officials already see problems with Grube's plans. The proposed boat storage facility would need a zoning change, said city building official Ed Winch.
"We haven't seen any concrete plans yet," Winch said. "But you can't come in and spot-zone one lot."
Grube was scheduled to present his plans to officials at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, but he had to reschedule to April 13. He hopes to persuade council members to support another try at riverfront redevelopment.
"James Clark Street is a disaster," Grube said. "This will be good. It will clean it up and make it look a little nicer, finally."
Phil Davis can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6247, or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6247. His e-mail address is pdavis@sptimes.com
[Last modified March 10, 2005, 01:15:14]
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