BLC recommends City Council approve comp‑plan change to allow eight units at 1301 E. Columbus Drive

The Barrio Latino Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve a future‑land‑use map amendment to reclassify 1301 East Columbus Drive from R‑20 to R‑35, allowing up to eight residential units in the existing two‑story brick structure.

Applicant Maynard Perea and the project architect described the building as a vacant, historic, two‑story brick structure that the owners propose to rehabilitate for eight units. "This will enable the development of much needed affordable housing in Ybor City and directly contribute to meeting the housing needs of the community," the applicant said during his presentation.

Planning commission staff Megan McCarthy presented the partner review and recommended the amendment be found consistent with the Tampa comprehensive plan; staff and the BLC noted the change would increase permitted residential density while not increasing commercial intensity or floor‑area ratio in the Ybor City Local Historic District. BLC staff also outlined conditions for final approval, including submittal of illustrations showing existing and proposed conditions, a site plan demonstrating the ability to accommodate the additional units and parking, an overlay map of Ybor City historic district boundaries and floor plans showing unit division.

Commissioners praised the adaptive reuse approach and the potential to add smaller, more affordable units in a historic building. The panel moved to recommend approval of BLC‑26‑0000023/TACPA25‑16 and the motion carried by unanimous voice vote; commissioners also moved to receive and file related staff documents.

The recommendation now proceeds to City Council for final action according to normal land‑use and entitlement procedures.