Tampa City Council reviews historic district removal for Columbus Drive property

The Tampa City Council meeting held on April 3, 2025, commenced with a motion to open a public hearing at 10:30 AM, led by Councilwoman Hertek and seconded by Councilwoman Miranda. The council unanimously approved the motion, allowing for discussions to proceed without the need for swearing in participants, as the matter was not quasi-judicial.

The primary agenda item involved a request for the removal of a portion of property from the Tampa Heights local historic district. Elaine Lund from the historic preservation staff presented the case, detailing that the application was submitted in September 2024 and had been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in November 2024. The HPC recommended approval of the application to the city council.

Lund explained that the subject property, located at 206 West Columbus Drive, is a vacant lot resulting from a recent lot split. She provided visual aids, including an aerial map, to illustrate the boundaries of the historic district and the specific area in question. The lot in question was determined not to meet the criteria for local historic designation, as it is vacant and any future construction would not contribute to the historic character of the district.

The HPC concluded that removing the lot from the historic district would not negatively impact the area. Following Lund's presentation, the council members had no questions, and the applicant, Steve Miccolini, was invited to address the council.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to manage and preserve Tampa's historic districts while accommodating property developments. The council's decision on this matter will be crucial in shaping the future of the Tampa Heights area. Further discussions and potential resolutions are expected in upcoming meetings as the council continues to address community development and preservation issues.