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Redevelopment planned for Maderia Beach business district

3K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  I-275westcoastfl 
#1 ·
Major transformation unveiled for Madeira Way
By Sheila Mullane Estrada, Times Correspondent
In print: Wednesday, July 16, 2008

MADEIRA BEACH — A plan for redevelopment of the city's core business district was unveiled Monday at a special meeting of the City Commission and the Planning Board.

The 51-page draft proposal, prepared by consultants Gail Easley and Glenn Coyne, covers an 80-acre area extending from the base of the Causeway Bridge, along 150th Avenue to Gulf Boulevard, then north to include Archibald Park and east to Boca Ciega Bay.

Existing landmarks in the area include City Hall, a library and recreational complex, the Madeira Way and 150th Avenue commercial areas, Causeway Park and the city marina.

The consultants said they envision the area will become "a gathering place to eat, shop, and make use of civic services".

Much of the plan focused on the Madeira Way triangle where development of retail, office, residential and transient tourist units would be encouraged.

The current four-lane road would be narrowed to two lanes flanked by angle and parallel parking, extensive landscaping and "street furniture" and wide sidewalks that would create a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Although any development would follow current city land use regulations, commissioners said they hope the district could attract a 10-story hotel. Public facilities, including the city hall, library, and post office, should be "consolidated" at the present city hall site in a new service center, according to the consultants.

They also said the project could include a parking garage across from Archibald Park, a pedestrian walkway along Boca Ciega Bay behind commercial buildings on the north side of Madeira Way, wet slips behind city hall, a pedestrian walkway under the causeway at the western base of the bridge, and development incentives to encourage new structures that meet city architectural and use guidelines.

Implementation of the plan would require state approval of the city's comprehensive plan, amended last year, as well as approval of the special district by both county and state, a process that will take months.

"Madeira Way is an absolute disgrace to this city," Mayor Pat Shontz said. "The people want this (project) done yesterday. We need to move very quickly on this."

The commission and planning board directed the consultants to revise the draft plan to include more specifics on possible funding sources, other locations for the proposed garage, establishing a ratio of permanent vs. transient residential units, and building heights.

Concerns also were raised about preserving water views and involving current property owners in developing the plan guidelines.

[Last modified: Jul 16, 2008 07:24 PM]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/article701011.ece
 
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#3 ·
Nice plan. I would not call Madeira Way a main artery though...most people use Gulf Blvd. to get to the Causeway. I do not see cutting the road down to cause any significant problems.

A hotel would be nice in that area, but one wonders what brand would want to not have beach frontage in that area? The plaza that is currently there is a bit dumpy so it would be nice to have a nicer plaza, and the Winn Dixie would have to be remodeled too (if it is not being forced to close due to the remodeling). It will be nice to have a fun area to walk to though. I think it could be rather popular, at least given the popularity of people walking to John's Pass.

Steve
 
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