Advertisement

Tarpon Springs eases development rules on Sponge Docks

 
JEFF ROSENFIELDThe Tarpon Springs City Commission has approved an ordinance officials hope will pave the way for development within the Sponge Docks tourist district.
JEFF ROSENFIELDThe Tarpon Springs City Commission has approved an ordinance officials hope will pave the way for development within the Sponge Docks tourist district.
Published Nov. 15, 2018

BY JEFF ROSENFIELD

Tampa Bay Newspapers

TARPON SPRINGS — The City Commission recently approved an ordinance designed to promote development in certain sections of town, including at the eastern and western ends of the Sponge Docks.

The measure paves the way for new growth in undeveloped parts of the docks.

The ordinance increases restaurant seating capacity in certain parts of the city from 40 to 49. It also will make it easier for restaurant and commercial development.

Several business owners supported the changes.

"I'm all for changes to make things better," Rusty Bellies Julie Ann Russell said. "I look at it as a positive."

Corey Young, part of the fourth-generation of owners of the fuel delivery service River Energy, also said she supported the proposed changes. She requested, however the city give assurances that the unique charter, charm and purpose of the working docks would remain intact.

"Obviously we aren't a restaurant and don't serve seafood, but we're a fourth-generation business that's been here since 1937 and I'd like to know we're not in any kind of threat situation," Young said. River Energy is on Roosevelt Boulevard, at the western end of the Sponge Docks.

Just like the more popular visitor friendly sections of the docks, the businesses at the western end also play an important role in the local economy, Young said.

"We have a very unique environment," she said of the area, which consists of marinas, shrimp and fishing boats, fuel stations and other features of working docks. "Dinner boats dock there, celebrities have been on our docks. So, I'd like to be respected. We aren't a merchant and we aren't a restaurant, but we are a very tight-knight, community so I hope this is a positive for us, but we do have some concerns."

Planning and Zoning Director Heather Urwiller assured Young the proposed ordinance would have no impact on the marine and industrial businesses along the docks.

"Those marine and industrial uses are allowed today, will be allowed tomorrow, if this passes," Urwiller said.

"We don't want to change the character down there whatsoever.,'' Commissioner Susan Kikta said. "That's not what this is about. We all know how important the Sponge Docks are to us, it's an attraction, and this is to enhance and to make the Sponge Docks better."