TAMPA, Fla. — A new master plan for one of Tampa's most historic neighborhoods includes up to a thousand new homes for families and seniors, as well as a memorial park to honor those buried at Zion Cemetery.
The Tampa Housing Authority said the new master plan includes "welcoming open green spaces, townhomes, senior living accommodations and affordable apartments in a modern township."
There will also be a fitness center and a food market.
The THA says there will also be a network of parks with "meaningful public art that will connect neighboring families," as well as on-site support facilities that will assist residents with their medical and financial well-being.
City officials also say the cultural heritage of these grounds is important as they move forward with development. Robles Park Village is located right near the Zion Cemetery, an African-American burial ground with room for some 800 graves. It's still unclear how many people were left buried there after developers came in and started building over graves.
The new master plan also includes the Zion Memorial Gardens, Celebration Park and Memorial Walk.
"We honor the past while striving for a better tomorrow," according to the new Robles Park Village Master Plan website.
OFFERING YOUR FEEDBACK:
On Wednesday, October 14, the Tampa Housing Authority will be holding one-hour workshops from 8 a.m. to noon for Robles residents. Then, there will be a second round of meetings from 1 to 6:30 p.m. for residents of the greater Tampa Heights community.
On Thursday, October 15, the Tampa Housing Authority will be holding one-hour workshops from 8 a.m. to noon and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. again for residents of the greater Tampa Heights community. Also on October 15, the Tampa Housing Authority is planning to hold an event for the Robles youth community at 3:30 p.m.
All workshops will be held outside in the grassy area adjacent to the on-site Robles project office located at 3522 North Avon Avenue. The Tampa Housing Authority will have a tented area with chairs set up well spaced apart for social distancing and will provide masks for those who need one.
You can click here to take the Robles Park Village Redevelopment Survey.
To reserve a spot in one of the workshop groups, please email Stephanie Brown (stephanie.brown@thafl.com) and Janice Damanze (Janice.damanze@thafl.com) at the Tampa Housing Authority or call 813-341-9101 (ext. 2200).
