City leaders say plans for the West Tampa overlay district will preserve the area's historic feel.
By Times Staff Writer
Published April 30, 2004
There were plenty of smiles to go around Monday as members of the West Tampa Community Development Corp. gathered to praise the city's recent commitment to preserving and restoring the area's historic flavor.
The City Council in January approved the West Tampa overlay district, which creates commercial and residential design standards for future development. The goal is to bring back the aesthetics of the old neighborhood and create a pedestrian-friendly business environment.
On Monday, Mayor Pam Iorio and City Council member Mary Alvarez joined community leaders in praising the plan.
"We have a lot of history here, and we want to preserve that," said Margaret A. Fisher, chairwoman of the West Tampa CDC. "We live in this community, and we want it to be the best it can be."
Alvarez said the overlay district - similar to the ones created for S Howard Avenue, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard, Seminole Heights and East Tampa - is essential to help preserve the "integrity and historic fabric of this community."
"This means a lot to me," said Alvarez, a West Tampa native. "We will make Tampa proud of West Tampa."
