As I looked at some of the newspaper maps at planned construction in Downtown, it was easy to think of gardening. Discussion about heights and types of buildings (hotels, condos, retail) sound like selecting the right plant to be sure you can walk between the rows or be sure that the heights work to make the light access correct for the other plants in the garden.
The seeds for downtown redevelopment are already in place. In case you haven't noticed, after years of reaching for new office buildings, the call for them now has become silent.
Already over 5,000 new housing units are starting to grow or are already approved in downtown. Hotels are also on the way. BUT, it is retail space that seems to be lagging behind.
Two Channelside establishments have closed their doors - permanently or temporarily seems to be the question - Newks and Rivals. Part of that comes from the lack of NHL hockey games and the revenue it brings.
When VERVE had a recent DOWNTOWN AFTER SIX function, several hundred people attended to stroll through part of downtown. It was great to see some local businesses stay open a little later to make the event work, but it was a little sad to see all the businesses closed at 6 PM. Regardless of the downtown event, on Saturdays, most retail spaces and restaurants are closed and silent.
A garden starts with a clearing process. Raking, planning, then planting. Not all plants grow at the same speed. You have to be patient and nurturing before the garden really takes hold.
Downtown Tampa is just like that. Let's just hope that in the rush to construct the garden we don't remove some plants that we really ought to keep, like Kiley Park, or allow some in that shouldn't be there.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
TOWING IN SOHO
Recently I received this email at SOHOTAMPA.COM.
Hey, Mr. Bill! I’ve got a question. Some friends and I were sitting on the deck at the Deck on Friday 10 June. While enjoying our pizzas, we noticed the parking lot at the former Porky’s laundry filling up with various cars and suvs. Then the tow trucks started to arrive. This business is closed. There is very limited parking in hyde park, especially on Friday nites when everyone wants to pub crawl or have dinner. The question is, why would the owners of an extinct business care if their parking were used for the benefit of all??? It just seems to me that most of the businesses that are located in hyde park are here for a reason. And the reason is high pedestrian volume($)! It is pointless that someone with all that unused space would limit access to the property. And, if that is the case, why is there not a fence around the property to keep everyone out???Also, this towing company only took the nicest cars. While on the deck, we noticed a mercedes and 2 bmw’s being towed. The chevy and ford suvs were left behind and not touched while we were there. Maybe they took the high end cars knowing that those owners would most likely get their cars out of hock before an older pos jalopy? Just curious as to your take on the matter. Kevin
Dear Kevin, It has amazed me to see the tow trucks zoom around the neighborhood like sharks in a kid's wading pool. With a cost of over $200 to get your car out of their hands and the total inconvenience of trying to figure out who has it and where it has gone; towing has become a big profit maker for some, and a big headache for others. What is the solution ?
Parking garages, mass transit, a little more give and take from neighbors, better city controls in not allowing new businesses and residences without adequate parking, or all of the above ?
We have raised this issue before ... and will again. We welcome your comments on this issue.
Hey, Mr. Bill! I’ve got a question. Some friends and I were sitting on the deck at the Deck on Friday 10 June. While enjoying our pizzas, we noticed the parking lot at the former Porky’s laundry filling up with various cars and suvs. Then the tow trucks started to arrive. This business is closed. There is very limited parking in hyde park, especially on Friday nites when everyone wants to pub crawl or have dinner. The question is, why would the owners of an extinct business care if their parking were used for the benefit of all??? It just seems to me that most of the businesses that are located in hyde park are here for a reason. And the reason is high pedestrian volume($)! It is pointless that someone with all that unused space would limit access to the property. And, if that is the case, why is there not a fence around the property to keep everyone out???Also, this towing company only took the nicest cars. While on the deck, we noticed a mercedes and 2 bmw’s being towed. The chevy and ford suvs were left behind and not touched while we were there. Maybe they took the high end cars knowing that those owners would most likely get their cars out of hock before an older pos jalopy? Just curious as to your take on the matter. Kevin
Dear Kevin, It has amazed me to see the tow trucks zoom around the neighborhood like sharks in a kid's wading pool. With a cost of over $200 to get your car out of their hands and the total inconvenience of trying to figure out who has it and where it has gone; towing has become a big profit maker for some, and a big headache for others. What is the solution ?
Parking garages, mass transit, a little more give and take from neighbors, better city controls in not allowing new businesses and residences without adequate parking, or all of the above ?
We have raised this issue before ... and will again. We welcome your comments on this issue.
Monday, June 06, 2005
IT MUST BE TOUGH BEING A REPUBLICAN
The amount of rhetoric that comes from the Republican Right is amazing. Especially when you have several assaults on basic Republican values.
First, the massive federal budget deficits. When Carter had deficits, the Republicans called him a TAX AND SPEND LIBERAL ! But when Bush gives them to us at ten times the Carter numbers, the Republicans stay silent.
Second, Iraq. Republicans have generated the policy of "if it isn't in America, we shouldn't get involved." So much for that.
Third, states rights. Today the Supreme Court struck down the use of medical marijuana, all after an appeal from the Bush Administration that challenged 10 states policies over that law. So much for States Rights, a basic issue of the Republican Party.
At this rate, the Republican Party should just change its name to the "BUSH PARTY" or maybe the "BLIND SHEEP PARTY". Either name would better describe their evolving "principles".
First, the massive federal budget deficits. When Carter had deficits, the Republicans called him a TAX AND SPEND LIBERAL ! But when Bush gives them to us at ten times the Carter numbers, the Republicans stay silent.
Second, Iraq. Republicans have generated the policy of "if it isn't in America, we shouldn't get involved." So much for that.
Third, states rights. Today the Supreme Court struck down the use of medical marijuana, all after an appeal from the Bush Administration that challenged 10 states policies over that law. So much for States Rights, a basic issue of the Republican Party.
At this rate, the Republican Party should just change its name to the "BUSH PARTY" or maybe the "BLIND SHEEP PARTY". Either name would better describe their evolving "principles".
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