The Tampa City Council made a big decision on Thursday, denying a developer’s request to rezone a piece of land along the Hillsborough River for a housing project. This was great news for local residents who have opposed the plans for a long time.
The meeting drew a crowd of over 50 people, who celebrated the vote with cheers and hugs. Many wore T-shirts that read, “Save our wetlands,” showcasing their passion for protecting their environment.
After hearing public comments for over two hours, the council voted 5-2 against the development plan that would have allowed construction of multi-use housing in an area designated for single-family homes. This decision also overturned a previous ruling that permitted filling in a wetland area on the site. By rejecting this request, residents ensured that the vital wetland habitat would not be destroyed.
Hank Cramer, president of the Riverbend Civic Association, expressed his confidence that the council would support the community. “People were genuinely ready to fight this,” he said, emphasizing the strong backing from local residents.
The original development plans included building 42 townhomes and three single-family homes on a 4.6-acre property at 6111 N Rome Ave. However, these plans faced fierce opposition due to concerns about filling wetlands and cutting down old trees that are protected by city codes.
Despite attempts to address neighborhood concerns, lawyers for the developers mentioned that they had invested effort in revising their stormwater management plans and even proposed building houses on stilts. Yet, many local residents remained skeptical and worried about potential flood risks.
During public comments, residents shared disturbing images of flooding in their neighborhood after Hurricane Milton. They highlighted how adding more concrete structures could worsen flooding issues, pointing to past events where floodwaters inundated homes and infrastructure nearby.
Other council members echoed these concerns, arguing that with climate change leading to more intense storms, the city needed to protect natural features like wetlands that can absorb excess water. Council member Charlie Miranda stated, “You’re not going to get what you want doing things we’ve done normally for the last 100 years.”
Although city planning staff had recommended approval for the project, some council members disagreed. They insisted that the comprehensive planning document should evolve to better protect natural environments, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The future of the Rome property is uncertain now that the rezoning request has been denied. Some community members believe that developers may return with new proposals, especially given their financial investment in the land. Frank Greco, a neighborhood association member, said, “They’re not going to let the $2.5 million they spent on this go away.”
This decision reflects a broader discussion in Tampa about sustainable development and how to build responsibly in the wake of increased flooding risks. As the city confronts the challenge of balancing growth with environmental preservation, community voices will play a critical role in shaping its future.
