A controversial plan to rezone a block of historic buildings in Tampa was rejected by the Tampa City Council on Thursday night.
In a 5-1 vote, the City Council decided not to allow the rezoning of West Grand Central Avenue in Tampa, which would have allowed Altman Development company of Boca to build two luxury apartment buildings at 504 W. Grand Central Ave. The project would have added nearly 300 apartment units and a parking garage.
The project is located near the University of Tampa and across the street from the popular business Oxford Exchange.
The owner of O.E. launched a campaign and conversation online with the trending hashtag #TampaDeservesBetter in hopes of convincing the council members that the rezoning would remove protections for historical buildings in that area.
The City Council chambers were packed with people on Thursday night saying they wanted to see the apartment plans incorporate more of the style of the neighborhood. Altman Development says they've worked very hard to find ways to blend into the community.
Altman Development originally said they wanted to begin construction by early 2016, but this latest vote could seriously delay those plans.
