TAMPA, Fla. — More than a hundred people turned out for a public hearing with the Tampa City Council to talk about a proposal to transform the historic Stovall House on Bayshore Boulevard into a social club.
- Public hearing held on transforming Stovall House
- Developer wants to turn it into social club
- Public comments split in favor and against project
Developer Blake Casper is heading the project.
Five rooms would be available for overnight guests, and he would like to sell alcohol at the club.
Casper and his supporters said it's a way to preserve the property and keep it from turning into something else like a high-rise condo.
His plans would keep the house and property mostly intact.
"We are putting everything we have into this project. Our blood, sweat and tears as Mr. Churchill put it. I make the pledge that if we do get your vote, we will not let you down, nor the neighborhood, nor the city of Tampa," he said during the hearing.
Public comments were split both in favor and against the project.
"I support the project, both the zoning and the alcohol beverage. I've reviewed the plans extensively and visited the grounds extensively as well, and as you know I've often come before you and advocated both for and against projects with zoning and alcohol," said one resident who spoke in favor of the plan.
"I along with my neighbors will be left to enforce the violations. Commercial development is not compatible with my single family neighborhood and alcohol has no business being sold two doors from my house," said Mary Estes who opposes the project.
This was the first reading of the ordinance before the city council.
They are expected to vote at a later date.