The concrete slabs that have long been an eyesore in what will someday be called Midtown soon may be gone.
Florida legislators approved April 30, a bill that will allow the city to remove the slabs without having to construct stormwater retention ponds. The bill still needs Gov. Rock Scott’s signature, but barring any unexpected complications, it will become law July 1.
The legislation, CS/SB 934, introduced by state Rep. Dan Raulerson, is the culmination of years of political work, dating back to former state Rep. Rich Glorioso.
Previously, because of a law regulated by the South Florida Water Management District, retention ponds were required in areas where any impervious surfaces are removed. Swiftmud remained steadfast to the law, despite Plant City’s downtown stormwater drainage system, which has been in place since the 1950s.
Under the new law, the slabs can be removed and replaced without having to add any additional stormwater systems.
“We’re very excited (for the bill’s passing),” Raulerson said.
Furthermore, he said the bill also will streamline the permitting process for Midtown’s eventual developer. The bill applies to urban infill and redevelopment areas, including Midtown.
“It allows a developer to obtain a conceptional permit for all 80 acres — and to do that 80 acres as one, instead of the 15 to 20 parcels individually,” he said.
Raulerson credited Glorioso and Legislative Aide Amber Smith, who worked for both legislators.
“Amber is the one who really drove this through,” he said. “She walked the halls of Tallahassee to make sure we had all the right language.”
During Glorioso’s terms in office, the bill passed through the House twice but stalled in the Senate budget committee, headed by former Sen. JD Alexander. This time, state Sen. Tom Lee helped push the bill through the Senate.
The concept for Midtown dates back to 2007, when then-Mayor Rick Lott introduced the idea — and the term — to help revitalize Plant City’s downtown core. Several businesses in Midtown’s 85 acres had closed, leaving behind a series of dilapidated buildings. City leaders were faced with two choices: Do nothing or supply a vision for renewal.
The vision for Midtown’s 85 acres is for a mixed-use development featuring a blend of condominium-style housing, eateries, shops and offices. Lott said similar redevelopment projects in St. Petersburg and Sarasota have transformed those downtowns into bustling areas that create significant economic impact.
Under the Midtown Redevelopment Plan, the city purchased the dilapidated buildings. Midtown is funded primarily by the Community Redevelopment Agency, an entity created in 1981 specifically for city revitalization. In the past five years, the city spent $4.75 million on the demolition of businesses, such as Gro-Mor and Stock Lumber, and to purchase parcels.
Last year, the city removed about 1,175 tons of petroleum-impacted soil from the former Hydraulic Hose and Cylinder site.
Most recently, the Plant City Commission voted March 25 to pursue proposals for a destination-style park for Midtown.
City officials also expect to begin this summer a project to realign Wheeler Street between Renfro and Alabama streets.
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.