Temple Terrace schedules workshop after CRA hears years-long marketing update for downtown parcels

The Community Redevelopment Agency and City Council of Temple Terrace heard an update on prospects for two downtown redevelopment parcels and agreed to schedule a workshop to study a park-oriented, mixed-use option for the 8901 site.

The update was delivered to the CRA by Eric Odom and John Lochner of Florida ROI Commercial Property Brokerage, who told the board the firms have marketed the parcels for nearly three years and logged more than 100 commercial inquiries. John Lochner said the firm has fielded interest from “a pickleball upscale restaurant venue developer, an upscale restaurant developer, a national retail developer, a hotel developer, and a multifamily developer” for parcel 8901, while parcel 8447 has seen substantially less activity.

Board members and staff said macroeconomic headwinds — higher interest rates, higher construction costs and new tariffs — have reduced deal velocity even where market interest exists. Greg Polley, Temple Terrace community development director, confirmed brokers are including the city’s master-plan and proposed River Hills improvements in outreach materials.

CRA board member Fernandez floated a concept to keep the River Hills park area passive while developing an active, downtown gathering space with a small concrete stage, turf or hard-surface performance area, and adjacent restaurant and retail uses. Vice Mayor Schisler and board members discussed trade-offs: preserving the River Hills project already funded and planned, versus using some downtown acreage as a programmed event space that could increase tenant interest for adjacent parcels.

The CRA voted to request that the City Council discuss the idea under new business; council later placed the topic on its agenda and then approved a motion to schedule a public workshop (not on a Tuesday evening) to explore downtown development options, including whether a small event stage and surrounding mixed-use program would be viable for parcel 8901. Council members asked staff to prepare basic TIF and tax‑revenue figures, aerial plans and high-level feasibility material before the workshop so the discussion can be focused and not burden staff with premature scope-of-work assignments.

The board and council acknowledged financial constraints tied to the city’s TIF and prior commitments: one council member reminded colleagues that proceeds from sales of other TIF parcels were expected to help cover long-term obligations and that removing parcels from potential commercial sale could create a shortfall when TIF debt matures.

A workshop will be scheduled by the city manager’s office; the council motion specified the session should avoid Tuesday nights to allow broader participation.