Editorial
Project holds promise
| Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 |
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Pinellas County commissioners recently took action that should accommodate plans for a large development project that holds much promise for the area.
Commissioners agreed July 1 to sell the old Toytown landfill site, which is expected to be developed into a mixed-use community by Gateway Development LLC.
The former 240-acre landfill site in St. Petersburg is bordered by Interstate 275 within the Gateway employment district.
Though the county has agreed to sell the landfill for $10, officials said the financial benefits are well worth the price. Once the sale is completed, the county will no longer be responsible for the cost of maintenance. This includes monitoring for potential groundwater pollution and surface water, erosion control and other upkeep at an annual cost of $750,000. Toytown quit accepting waste in 1982 and was closed in 1991.
The county also will benefit from the additional revenue expected to come from taxes.
Certainly, many details have to be worked out, but the Parks for Pinellas could begin operating in 2014, creating new jobs, new retail space, affordable housing and other benefits.
The preliminary master plan for the development includes 2 million square feet of land set aside for office use; 70 acres for civic and recreational uses; 2,113 residential units; 1.5 million square feet for retail; 64,000 square feet for outlet uses; and 253,000 square feet for a hotel and convention center.
The location of the property makes it easily accessible from Tampa, allowing it to serve the Tampa International Airport. Also intriguing is that it is being considered as a site for the Tampa Bay Rays. Again, the prime location of the property speaks for itself.
Many details need to be worked out, such as making sure that infrastructure and roads support the number of people who will live, work or shop at the development. Development plans will have to be monitored carefully. Since closing isn’t scheduled for three years, developers should have plenty of time to ensure that their plans are feasible.
In essence, this type of project is exactly what economic development advocates dream about. Surrounding businesses, such as restaurants, should also enjoy spin-off benefits. It could even become a hub for commuter rail or other forms of transit.
Hard to imagine what could be a better use for an old landfill.
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Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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