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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2007

Development Will Work

Regarding "Hyde Park Village's Prospects Unclear" (Metro, Dec. 15);

Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena knew it was right to approve the Wasserman plan, but when old pal Rose Ferlita got up there and spoke against it, she couldn't bring herself to do it because it wouldn't make everyone in happy. That is part of her job to make the right decision despite the fact it may not be the most popular one - she needs to have the fortitude to do that or give up her seat.

As to the historic nature of Hyde Park, I walked by the Seville last weekend and to me it looks like a big concrete rectangle turned on its narrow end. I am not sure how that is historic or consistent with the character of Hyde Park, but you know what - it works. So too would Wasserman's development.

STEVE BUNCH

Tampa

Need People, Shoppers

I am a new resident of Hyde Park, having moved here 18 months ago. We moved because we fell in love with the Hyde Park Village area.

I am appalled by the messages being sent by the Tampa City Council members regarding the revitalizing plans for the Village. During the short time we have lived in Tampa we have witnessed a continuing decline taking place in this wonderful area. Retailers are leaving and not being replaced. There will be nothing to stop this decline unless we embrace with open arms the plan now being offered by the Wasserman Realty Capital Group.

The problem is simple: we need more people and more shoppers. Let's embrace Wasserman for their foresight and willingness to proceed on this project in a time of real estate difficulties and uncertainty. If we continue to hesitate, the Historical Review Commission may only have to worry about empty buildings and closed businesses.

GIL GANS

Tampa

Saul-Sena Doing Job

Regarding "In A Pickle Over Progress In Hyde Park" (Metro, Dec. 18):

Why is Dan Ruth attacking City Council member Linda Saul-Sena for doing her job? Before disregarding existing zoning laws and overriding the vote of a community review board, council members should question whether the proposed development of Hyde Park will impact inadequate parking, congested traffic, and an overcrowded neighborhood school system. Maybe the cantankerous columnist should invest his energy investigating the increase in traffic violations since the nearby SoHo neighborhood was "urbanized."

Equally curious: Why is Dan trashing the notion that Hyde Park has a history worth preserving? Perhaps the poison penmeister should reread the Trib's countless news articles and editorials lauding the Tampa Bay History Museum for preserving the importance of historical neighborhoods like - Hyde Park! Maybe then he might appreciate why Linda Saul-Sena is working so hard to make the responsible choice.

VALARIE BLAU

Tampa

Just A Lot Of Hype

The Dec. 13 letters to the editor regarding Hyde Park Village really hit home to me. They pertain to redevelopment that supposedly cures all ills.

I am living in old "Suitcase City" and have since 1964 - before the suitcases. My street will soon be "Main Street USA" - which means you can be mugged on the way to a fancy shop. My area is residential, with homes and apartments and schools, plus a "community center" that not everyone can use safely. Now they are saying 22nd Street, between the dying University Mall and Bearss Avenue, will have "shops and be a beautiful place for people to walk and shop." The people who live in the surrounding apartments do walk, but they have no funds to shop in "unique little shops."

Old Hyde Park Village is a good example of hype that lasts for a few years then returns to its original state. The city's deal is to pretend to upgrade an area so taxes can be raised and those living in the area are forced to move out.

SALLY HAMMER

Tampa

Making TIA More Tampa

Regarding "Concessionaire Asked To Add Local Flavor To Airport's Offerings" (Business, Dec. 14):

I totally agree with Mayor Iorio's recommendations to make the Tampa International Airport reflect Tampa and not some "generic" city. I have traveled extensively, and when I'm in the airport in New Orleans, I know that I'm in New Orleans - it reflects the feel and flavor of Louisiana. Tampa International Airport is a great airport; friendly, convenient and "user-friendly." I wholeheartedly applaud her stance that vendors and the decor at the airport should reflect the great and unique place that Tampa is.

I also applaud all the efforts to make the area a nicer place; from the Riverwalk to the new museum, these investments will continue to improve on the gem that is Tampa.

RAY KRUELSKIE

Riverview

Perks Are Excessive

Regarding "By Demanding 10 Percent Raise, City Firefighters Insult Taxpayers" (Our Opinion, Dec. 14):

I commend The Tampa Tribune for drawing attention to this issue. The taxpayers should not be required to fund a workers' panacea for government employees. But yet that's exactly what we do.

How many private-sector workers get the kind of pay, benefits, time off and pension plans that government workers get? Percentage-wise, a paltry few. Does anything more need to be said?

JESSE ATTREAU

Largo

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