At the City Commission meeting Monday, June 22, commissioners unanimously voted to approve a motion that will move a program that feeds those in need at a Plant City park to the Winter Visitors Center beginning July 1.
The program, called Friends in the Park, consists of churches and other organizations that meet at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park off Wheeler Street behind Bruton Memorial Library to feed the homeless or those who need assistance.
In the past, neighbors surrounding the park have said the homeless linger after the meals.
“This helps make the park more open for local citizens,” Mayor Rick Lott said.
It will also benefit the patrons and volunteers. During the summer months, the temperature rises and the bugs come out. Rain is also an issue they face.
“They have a place in an air-conditioned building,” Lott said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The move comes at no cost to the city, thanks to Plant City-based Unity in the Community, a non-profit organizations that stepped up to cover expenses. Unity presented a $5,000 check to City Manager Mike Herr last week.
“We focus on children, but we care about needy adults,” Lawson said. “We felt it was a worthwhile cause … We wanted to do something to help. We felt like the visitor center would be a better location.”
Restoring Hope Global Inc. has agreed to serve as the parent organization for 16 ministries that provide feeding and support services.
The lease agreement specifies Friends in the Park will have exclusive use of the Winter Visitor Center from 4 to 7 p.m. everyday.
The Winter Visitor Center is located on North Dort Street and is part of the Planteen Recreation Center campus.
CITY GROWTH
The June 22 meeting also marked the first of two public hearings regarding the Interstate 4 Tech Corridor Overlay District.
“This is another opportunity for economic growth,” Mark Hudson, director of Plant City’s planning and zoning district, said.
The purpose of the corridor is to create more land available for light industrial and office development. Many areas near the corridor are already industrial, and no changes would occur to the underlying zoning.
But for the other areas, the rezoning would allow for a faster, more streamlined development process.
“Every time a builder or business owner has to come in front of a board, it slows down the process,” Lott said.
During the first hearing, the commission was presented with options for the corridor, including a corporate village, that would be used for offices, and an industrial park, that would allow for warehouse distribution.
By approving the uses up front, the commission hopes to bring high-paying jobs to the city.
The Planning Board recommended adoption of the ordinance. The second hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 13.
The commission also approved an ordinance for 17.49 acres of land to be moved from a transitional area to the Sterling Commerce Center Planned Development district. The area containing wetlands will remain undeveloped.
The commission announced that another 100,000-square-foot commercial building in this area will be starting development on County Line Road, where one such building is already under construction.
“Companies move in and bring in good-paying jobs that help improve the quality of life here in Plant City,” Lott said.
Directly following the commission meeting, the board was given an update on the Midtown marketing study.
The study was conducted to look at some opportunities that Midtown can support financially. Although office space in Plant City makes up less than one percent of market space in Hillsborough County, the district received positive feedback.
The study revealed that there is an opportunity to support smaller-scale retail.
“The nice thing is we’re continuously moving forward,” Lott said. “[We want to] reinvigorate a new life into the center core of our city.”
A proposal will be sent out in six to 12 months to develop it.
IN OTHER NEWS
The commission voted to keep residents of Plant City as the exclusive members of the library board, instead of voting for an amendment that would allow other Hillsborough County residents to serve on the board.
In the past, the city has not had trouble finding residents to serve on the board. Many of the commissioners believe that by keeping only Plant City residents on the board, residents will take into consideration the best interests of both the city and the county.
Following the decision, Mayor Rick Lott addressed the library board.
“We appreciate the hard work you do,” he said. “We take everything you say under our advisement. This is something we discussed quite a bit and took very seriously.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com