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Neighborhood report

Parking lot battle could be looming

A car dealer says his plans for a parking lot will enhance the neighborhood. Residents are skeptical.

By SHERRI DAY
Published March 10, 2006

It's no secret why some homeowners think parking lots make bad neighbors.

The lots often bring noise, unwanted traffic and debris to otherwise quiet residential areas.

Representatives for car dealer Jason Kuhn say his proposal for a parking lot at Church Avenue and Roland Street lot defies stereotypes. If built to his specifications, it could actually enhance the neighborhood, Kuhn's representatives said.

But convincing nearby residents may prove a Herculean task.

"It's not sending the right message for businesses on Kennedy and Dale Mabry," said Maureen Uhlig, president of the Swann Estates Neighborhood Association. "We want our property values to continue to rise as they have and the encroachment of businesses in the neighborhood is never a good thing."

Kuhn is scheduled to present his request for a variance allowing the parking lot to the City Council on March 23. Steve Michelini, Kuhn's land-use consultant, said he plans to ask the council to delay voting on the issue until his client has a chance to meet with residents.

"If somebody has a real concern, we'll address it," Michelini said. "But we've gone to great lengths to make sure that there weren't any."

Kuhn bought the land at 116 S Church Ave. in 2004 for $500,000, according to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's Web site.

It housed a vacant multifamily home before Kuhn razed the building last year. The dealer needs the land for employees who work at Kuhn Honda-Volkswagen at 3900 W Kennedy Blvd., Michelini said.

Plans call for Kuhn to build a 42-car parking lot with several two-story tandem spaces. The lot would be gated, heavily landscaped and accessed by key card, Michelini said. Kuhn also would install decorative lighting fixtures.

"This is going to be pretty," Michelini said. Kuhn "is not pushing this real hard or real fast. He wants to take his time and do it right."

Neighbors promise to listen to Kuhn's proposal but remain skeptical.

"A parking lot is a parking lot no matter what it looks like," Uhlig said. "If we allow this, then how many other businesses are we going to have to fight? And how are we going to fight? Everybody else is going to use this as the example."

- Sherri Day can be reached at sday@sptimes.com or 226-3405.

[Last modified March 9, 2006, 14:26:08]