Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve conversion of defunct Tahitian Gardens motel into up to 96 affordable apartments
Summary
The board approved a conditional use allowing conversion of a 148‑room motel on US‑19 into multifamily housing with a cap of 96 units, attaching conditions that limit acceptance of certain federal/state housing grants and noting opportunities for local partnerships and landscape grants.
The Pasco County Commission approved a conditional use allowing the conversion of a defunct 148‑room motel in the Tahitian Gardens area into multifamily apartments, not to exceed 96 dwelling units.
Planning staff (S15) said the site is in the West Market area and proposed conversion is consistent with the area vision; staff recommended approval with conditions. One newly added condition restricts the applicants and successors from applying for or accepting specific adaptive-reuse funding for the property, including CDBG, CDBG‑DR, SHIP and HOME funds.
Commissioner Hager (S5) expressed support for the project, saying the proposal would offer fixed, affordable housing with utilities included and amenities such as a playground and pool. "It'd be great for low-income families, single moms ... the price includes the rent, the electric, the water," Hager said. Margaret O'Brien (S8), president of the Tahitian Gardens Condominium Association, told the board the hotel has been an eyesore and a source of drug and homeless activity and that residents support the conversion.
Commissioners discussed alternatives to direct funding — for example, coordinating with Metropolitan Ministries and workforce programs to help residents transition — and suggested using commercial landscape grant or tree-mitigation funds to assist with required landscaping. The board moved to approve the conditional use and voted unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will implement the conditions of approval and follow up on potential partnerships for tenant services and landscape assistance; the project must comply with the specified unit cap and any MPUD or zoning conditions applicable to the site.
