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County says yes to sell of old Toytown landfill
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/070808_pco-01.jpg) |
| Photo courtesy of www.dorianphotoinc.com |
| Developers tout the proximity of the 240-acre former landfill to major interstates as one of its selling points. |
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CLEARWATER – The Board of County Commissioners agreed unanimously to sell the old Toytown landfill site to developers on July 1.
Commissioner Ronnie Duncan was absent.
The decision begins a long process between the county and Florida Gateway Development LLC toward the final result of a mixed use community located on the former 240-acre landfill site in St. Petersburg.
There’s only once catch: Closing isn’t scheduled for three years, giving the developers time to confirm that their plans for the old landfill site are feasible.
However, if everything works out, The Parks of Pinellas could become a reality by 2014. 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.
A last minute addition to the plan also includes the possibility of a stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Toytown got its name from a 1920s subdivision. In 1961 a portion of the old subdivision property opened as a landfill. Toytown quit accepting waste in 1982 and was closed in 1991.
Since that time, Pinellas County has been responsible for its maintenance, including monitoring for potential pollution of groundwater and surface water, upkeep of a leachate system, erosion control and more. The annual cost is $750,000.
The county has agreed to sell the landfill for $10, but officials said the real monetary reward would be much greater.
For example, if the sell goes through, the county will no longer be responsible for the cost of maintenance. The county also will benefit from the added revenue expected to come in through taxes.
Mike Meidel, director of Economic Development, highlighted some additional benefits, including new jobs, new retail space, more affordable housing and more.
He said the mixed use design allows for people to live, work, shop and play all in one area.
And the best part is “the county is not on the hook for much money,” he said.
Commission chairman Robert Stewart called the deal a “breathtaking opportunity for the county and the city of St. Petersburg.”
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Article published on Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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