University Area Community Plan
The Planning Commission is embarking on an exciting new project: the update of the University Area Community Plan. Beginning Summer 2011 there’s a unique and important opportunity for residents to share their ideas about the community’s future. The plan update is a collaboration between the Planning Commission and its residents and business owners to update the community’s vision, goals, objectives and policies through the year 2050.
Get Involved!
A community plan is only successful if its’ policies reflect the vision and goals of those who live, work, and play in the community. Throughout the community plan development process, there will be many ways to get involved and participate in the plans formulation, from the initial open house to the update of the policies and objectives of the plan, the Planning Commission will provide opportunities for feedback and open exchange of ideas from University Area citizens and other community stakeholders. We encourage you to check back on this site often and learn about ongoing opportunities to make your voice heard.
Adopted University Community Plan
Creation of the adopted community plan involved area residents, businesses, civic organizations, and government and law enforcement agencies in identifying goals and strategies for revitalization of the areas surrounding the University of South Florida. The Plan encompasses approximately three square miles and is located in north central Hillsborough County, immediately adjacent to the City of Tampa and Temple Terrace city limits. It consists of four sub-areas surrounding the University to the east, west and north (view map).
Funding for the plan was provided through a Department of Justice Weed and Seed grant and County funds. The University of South Florida, Florida Center for Community Design and Research, provided professional consultant services for development of the plan. The Florida Center, with assistance from the Planning and Growth Management Department, and in consultation with the Weed and Seed Steering Committee's Infrastructure Development Committee, conducted an analysis of the study area’s conditions, performed field surveys and research, and held workshops with area residents. Together, they recommended design regulations and infrastructure improvements necessary for the creation of a stable, secure community. The plan is designed to guide future public investment in infrastructure and public spaces as well as guide private investment so that each new act of construction will contribute to the emerging neighborhood fabric.
Major Accomplishments of the Community
The University Community Area: A Master Plan for Physical Revitalization ( Originally published in June 1997) identifies a vision for the revitalization of the areas surrounding the University of South Florida (USF) and addresses such problems as traffic behavior, pedestrian mobility, land use, building form and visual blight. Projects funded to date include improvements to the 131st Avenue and 22nd Street intersection; improvements to 22nd Street from Bearss Avenue to the University Mall; and stormwater improvements.
In February 2001, the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan was amended to adopt the University Area Community Plan (view amendment). Following this, Hillsborough County received a grant from the State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs, to complete an addendum to the Master Plan qualifying it for the Urban Infill program. The addendum was completed in January 2002 and was incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan in late 2002.
Hillsborough County and consultants conducted a study to determine possible land use and zoning changes along 22nd Street to encourage redevelopment as envisioned by the Master Plan (view map). The study resulting in a recommendation for a mixed-use zoning overlay for the area was completed in August 2002. The recommended overlay district incorporates design standards contained in the Master Plan, affordable mixed-use development and encourages pedestrian friendly design.
In December 2002, Hillsborough County submitted an application for designation of a portion of the University Area as State Enterprise Zone. The designation was approved and provides tax incentives for business located in the designated area (view map).
In June of 2004, the Board of County Commissioners approved Land Development Code (LDC) regulations applicable to the 22nd Street area. The regulations, as recommended by the 22nd Street Master Plan, provide development design standards, allow for mixed-use residential and non-residential development and promote a pedestrian friendly environment. In order to implement the regulations, the Board of County Commissioners, on October 12, 2004, rezoned the properties along 22nd Street north of 131st Avenue to Bearss Avenue and those properties north of 131st Avenue to Fletcher Avenue.
Key issues of the Community
- Build new community infrastructure
- Eliminate uses of land which are obsolete/no longer viable
- Create community identity
- Ensure community input
- Identify areas for redevelopment
Status: Adopted
(what does this mean?)Contact Information
- Name: Pedro Parra
- Email: parrap@plancom.org
- Phone: 813-273-3774
- Extension: 356
