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Even so, Target is pursuing a sign variance to erect bigger ones at the SuperTarget on Bruce B. Downs.
By JAMES THORNER
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2001
WESLEY CHAPEL -- Wesley Chapel residents rejected a deal that would have smoothed the way for SuperTarget to erect larger signs at its store on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and County Line Road.
At issue is whether the signs sought by the discount store chain would be eyesores or merely eye catching. It's an issue before the Pasco County Development Review Committee next month, as SuperTarget requests another variance to raise bigger and higher signs on its store.
To build a case with the committee, which last month rejected an initial request for a sign variance, SuperTarget has tried to enlist neighbors on its side.
It did so by offering residents a deal last week: Support our bigger wall signs and we'll replace our 40-feet-tall pylon sign on Bruce B. Downs with a 15-feet-tall monument sign.
But the deal got rejected by four groups Target approached -- the Meadow Pointe and Lakes at Northwood neighborhoods, the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit group Scenic Pasco.
All anticipate that Pasco County commissioners will approve an "overlay district ordinance" for the Pasco stretch of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard similar to the one enforced on the Hillsborough County side of the line.
The ordinance would demand small commercial signs, more uniform architecture and lusher landscaping. By submitting its construction plans early, SuperTarget won't be bound by the ordinance, although residents want the company to act as if it is.
Lutfi Jadallah has a dual interest in the signs as a Meadow Pointe resident and prominent member of the chamber of commerce. He argued that relaxing standards for SuperTarget would set a bad precedent for the dozens of other stores expected to fill the corridor in the future.
"We want to keep the theme that New Tampa has," he said. "We don't want to repeat the tragedy of Dale Mabry and U.S. 19. It doesn't take a genius to see this was wrong."
Target spokesman Todd Pressman said the company plans to proceed with its next variance request despite the lack of community support. The store wants to erect wall signs of more than twice the legal limit of 300 square feet.
The Development Review Committee is scheduled to hear SuperTarget's latest request for larger signs at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Historic County Courthouse in Dade City.