Developer Grady Pridgen promises to improve area roads and sewer system, but neighbors fear the size of his mixed use project.
By SHERRI DAY
Published October 15, 2004
TAMPA - It took months of negotiations and several concessions, but developer Grady Pridgen finally won City Council's approval Thursday to increase the size of his project at the Imperial Yacht Basin near Gandy Boulevard.
In a 5-2 vote, the council approved the mixed-use plan, effectively putting an end to a nearly two-month battle that pitted Pridgen against neighbors. Members of the Gandy Civic Association fought the development's size, concerned it would overwhelm their neighborhood.
Some council members said Thursday that limiting the magnitude of Pridgen's project would not halt rapid development or solve infrastructure issues in Sun Bay South, the neighborhood that abuts the Imperial Yacht Basin.
One of the great things about Pridgen's plans, council member Kevin White said, is his willingness to help repair roads and other structural problems before construction begins.
"We have a developer who is coming up front, who is willing to address the infrastructure issues of South Tampa," White said. "I think it's a wonderful project," he said.
White voted to approve Pridgen's rezoning request, as did council members Linda Saul-Sena, Mary Alvarez, Gwen Miller and Shawn Harrison. Council members John Dingfelder, who represents the district, and Rose Ferlita voted to deny Pridgen's petition.
"Great that they're bringing improvements to the area," Ferlita said. "But that's all for the benefit of the development. My objection is that the infrastructure and the transportation in the area are going to be affected."
Pridgen bought the property in May for $25-million and quickly made plans to increase its size from 500 residential units, which the original zoning allowed, to 850 units. He promised to make $5-million in improvements to the area, including installing sidewalks, upgrading a sewer lift station and repairing roads at heavily used intersections.
Two weeks ago, Pridgen tried to persuade council members to support his project by offering a $1-million check upfront for transportation impact fees. He otherwise could have taken eight years to pay.
Some council members applauded the move and suggested that other developers follow suit. But the tactic ultimately backfired; council members said the act insinuated that their votes were for sale. In a last-minute attempt to salvage his project, Pridgen agreed to reduce his request by 100 units. Because Pridgen's offer amounted to a new proposal, the council delayed a decision until Thursday.
The Gandy Civic Association, which met Monday night, favored Pridgen's development but asked for another 150-unit reduction. Pridgen refused, saying it would be impossible to keep the project economically viable.
Al Steenson, the association's president, expressed disappointment Thursday with the council's approval.
"Our people showed that we were willing to do a bit of compromise," Steenson said. "And the compromise, as far as I'm concerned, was basically ignored. I'm not against growth, but let's do it in a sound, sensible manner."
Under the new zoning, Pridgen plans to build 750 residential units and 95,000 square feet of commercial space, including 15,000 square feet of retail, 10,000 square feet of restaurants, 70,000 square feet of office space, parking and a 200-room hotel.
Pridgen said he will still make $5-million in neighborhood improvements, concessions he would have likely abandoned had City Council denied his request. And the city will still get its $1-million check as part of that.
