What Temple Terrace is Saying About Latest Redevelopment Issues

Despite downtown developer Vlass Temple Terrace’s statement last week that it wants to walk away from the city’s redevelopment project, Temple Terrace Mayor Frank Chillura said Monday that the city’s ultimate objective is to forge ahead.

“Our goal is to move the project forward and work with the developer if they want to continue to work together,” he said.

The news about Vlass’ desire to bow out and Chillura’s reaction has Temple Terrace talking. Dozens of residents weighed in on Temple Terrace Patch articles and the Temple Terrace Patch Facebook page. The article Downtown Developer Calls it Quits: What’s Next? received more than 30 comments from readers.

Some residents are upset with the recent developmets. “How long has the center been sitting empty, thus far? We are so far behind and we can’t blame anyone but ourselves,” wrote Sally Oakes Ballas.

Other Patch readers are hopeful that recent events could signal a new direction. “In this economy, finding another partner to fulfill our dream of a vibrant, new urbanist Downtown should not be much of a challenge,” wrote David M. Long. “Glad they are gone. Now, let’s get back on track.”

A reader who calls him or herself Long-Time-Resident wrote: “We have new leadership now and I am willing to give them a chance. The changes that have been made so far are way better than what we had.”

As members of the community continue to weigh in on the issue, discussion between Vlass and the city could resume. Chillura said Monday that once incoming City Manager Gerald Seeber begins working for the city, the city will contact the Vlass group to see if they would like to meet. Seeber may begin work by the end of April.

Read more news about the downtown redevelopment project here.

What do you think about recent developments regarding the redevelopment project? What do you think should happen with the residential portion of the project? Tell us in the comments.