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Briefs

Volunteers complete work on historic Guida House

By SHERRI DAY, ANNE ARSENAULT
Published April 29, 2005

WEST TAMPA - About 30 volunteers gathered at the Guida House on Saturday to complete the final stages of preserving the historic home.

Led by members of Tampa Preservation Inc., volunteers painted plywood to cover the building's windows. Three generations of Guida family members showed up to help.

Earlier this year, volunteers began a series of preservation efforts designed to protect the building until it is restored.

Activities included installing a perimeter fence, replacing a roof, removing rotten wood and cleaning the building, Tampa Preservation officials said.

With the painting project complete, Tampa Preservation turned the building back over to the city of Tampa. City officials must find money and a company to restore the house. Eventually, the city will lease it.

PALMA CEIA - Members of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission voted Monday night to approve a mix of single-family and multifamily zoning for several areas in Palma Ceia.

The neighborhood is zoned R-20, which allows developers to build up to 20 units per acre. The commission took up the issue at the request of the Palma Ceia Neighborhood Association, which asked that the entire neighborhood be downzoned to protect it from overdevelopment.

Proponents and opponents of the zoning changes testified for more than three hours during Monday's public hearing. Most homeowners present supported the change.

Planner Terry Cullen said his staff recommended a plan that would alter zoning in some areas of the neighborhood from R-20 to R-10, which allows up to 10 units per acre.

Cullen's plan called for existing multifamily properties with R-20 zoning to remain that way. Some single-family homes would also retain their R-20 status. But many would change to R-10.

Upon approving the proposal, the commission said that single-family homeowners who want to volunteer for downzoning could do so.

The City Council will vote on the issue June 9, Cullen said.

DOWNTOWN - The University of Tampa broke ground Monday on its newest residence hall, Kennedy Place, at 404 W Kennedy Blvd., across from Plant Hall Construction.

The $15.6-million project is expected to begin by May 30. The 182-bed, 11-story building will be ready for occupancy in August 2006.

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 08:33:09]