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Gram's Place owner Mark Holland armed himself with a lawyer and a new haircut June 28 to ask the code enforcement board for a rehearing, contending that the board erred when citing his bohemian hostel with a long list of violations in late May. The board denied his request.
Holland said he will appeal the decision. But after that, options to keep his hostel open are limited.
Violations involve a "stairway to heaven" linking the treehouse-style decks from the back yard to the roof, and a shed that accommodates guests in an "Adventure Room."
In May, the board told him if he didn't fix the 12 violations by August, he would be fined $100 per day. He was also told he would have to change the zoning for the property at 3109 N Ola Ave., which is single-family residential.
Because Gram's Place is made of two adjoining houses, Holland will begin the hearing process for the hostel's second house, at 206 W Plymouth St., which faces a similar list of violations.
Holland plans to enter a not-guilty plea at a hearing Wednesday and bring his lawyer to a July 28 hearing, where the board is expected to rule.
The Tampa Heights Civic Association has agreed to write letters to city officials in support of Gram's place.
"It's been part of our neighborhood for a long time," said Jim Hartnett, the association's vice president. "It brings international flavor and artistic flavor. We want to see Gram's Place still around."
Alexandra Zayas can be reached at 813 226-3354 or azayas@sptimes.com.