Zoning change okayed for MetLife project

Some Lincoln Gardens/Carver City residents object to the 1.6-million-square-foot development.

By SARAH MISHKIN
Published July 20, 2007

TAMPA - The City Council approved a zoning change Thursday for a 1.6-million- square-foot project by Metropolitan Life in the Lincoln Gardens/Carver City area.

MetLife's rezoning was the focus of questions last month about claims that a local neighborhood group had asked for money from the developer in exchange for its support. This led to a city investigation, but that was not discussed at Thursday's public hearing.

Some council members did raise concerns that money paid by the developer for alleviating traffic congestion would not directly benefit the residents most affected by the construction.

Still, the council approved the rezoning, clearing the way for a mixed-used development of restaurants, office space and residential units along Boy Scout Boulevard near International Plaza. Members decided to further investigate how to ensure the local neighborhood would benefit most from the fees paid by Metropolitan Life.

"We should do whatever we have to do to support this neighborhood," said council member John Dingfelder.

Representatives from the neighborhood spoke against the project, citing its scale, which they said would overwhelm local infrastructure and create dangerously crowded roads.

Residents said many of the roadways, such as Lois Avenue, are already too dangerous for pedestrians.

"This $41-billion company in our neighborhood, our neighborhood believes, is in a position to consider us in their building," said Daniel Smith, president of the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens Homeowners Association.

Dingfelder voted against the project because he wanted further assurance that the developer's contribution to the city for traffic upgrades would benefit nearby residents.

Other council members said the city was responsible for choosing how to spend that money, and neither the developer nor the neighborhood association could earmark it for specific projects or blocks.

Elizabeth Abernathy, an architect with Wilson Miller, said the developer has met with the association to speak about crosswalk improvements. The developer is paying for upgrades to two crossings, adding flashing lights to improve pedestrian safety in order to mitigate neighborhood concerns.

Sarah Mishkin can be reached at smishkin@sptimes.com or 813 225-3110.

[Last modified July 20, 2007, 00:12:41]