Rezoning could jeopardize city's plan for river park

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 18, 2000

TAMPA -- A local development company has agreed to postpone a rezoning request that could threaten city plans to purchase 13 acres for a park that includes the historic Sulphur Springs water tower.

McDill Columbus Corp. officials wanted to rezone a 2-acre corner of the property at Florida Avenue and Bird Street to sell it for a Walgreens drug store.

But after meeting with Mayor Dick Greco on Wednesday, they agreed to seek a 30-day delay from the City Council on the rezoning hearing set for May 25.

"Being from Tampa, they'd like to be helpful," Greco said. "We're trying every way we can to make a deal."

The city won state and local grants to buy the 13 acres for a botanical garden, play fields and fishing docks on the Hillsborough River. But McDill Columbus officials balked at the price the city offered. The city's offer, based on two appraisals, is confidential.

David Smith, an attorney representing the company on the rezoning, has said that if McDill Columbus can sell Walgreens the 2 acres, the city's offer might be in the ball park for rest of the site.

But local activists charged that a Walgreens would spoil the park site. City officials say the grants were based on buying the entire site and cutting out a portion might endanger the funding.

Friday rally to highlight plight of detained man

TAMPA -- A rally to protest the detention on secret evidence of Tampa resident Mazen Al-Najjar is set for Friday at Tampa City Hall.

Al-Najjar was arrested May 19, 1997, after overstaying a student visa, then denied bail while he appealed his deportation. Secret government evidence alleges he has ties to Middle East terrorists. Supporters say his treatment violates the U.S. Constitution.

The rally is 3:30 to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 315 Kennedy Blvd.

For information, phone the Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace at (813) 988-2257.

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