For Better or Worse, 2007 was the Year of Ybor
In 2007, Ybor saw some change, both positive and negative. But the St. Pete Times thinks that 5 out of the 10 most significant local change & development news came out of Ybor and its vicinity. We tend to agree but perhaps we would have stressed the significance that our neighbors’ efforts had in those changes. Here is the list:
9 I-4 fountain
Drivers wondered about the project near the Interstate 4 overpass in Ybor. What could it be? How
about a big ole’ water fountain - that cost $1.3-million. The state won’t build on it any time soon. But officials feared that if the
property were left vacant, it might draw trash or "would attract homeless," Kris Carson of the state Department of Transportation told City Times in July. That didn’t sit too well with readers, especially homeless advocates. But the fountain remains, in all its trickling glory.8 Crematories
People complained of smoke and odor that they said came from crematories. Crematory owners, however, were within their legal rights. That’s when neighbors in East Ybor, Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights pushed to change those rights. After months of research and such, the Environmental Protection Commission created guidelines this month for crematories in Hillsborough.
6 Ikea
The Swedish furniture store known for its modern, affordable designs announced plans to open an Ikea in mid 2009 in Palmetto Beach. At 350,000 square feet, it will be Ikea’s largest in Florida - a big deal for an astounding mass of Ikea fans who
apparently enjoy buying mass-produced furniture that they often have to assemble themselves. Woo-hoo!3 Ybor nightclubs
Seventh Avenue’s booty-shaking hip-hop spots drew the ire of those who said noise and
violence started on the dance floor. Police conducted crime studies and boosted their presence. Club Empire’s owner met with neighbors to calm fears. By year’s end, Empire was still standing, but questions circled Club Fuel, which recently closed its doors and renamed itself the Factory Nightclub. Meanwhile, locals insisted that Ybor is a HISTORIC district, not an entertainment district. The Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association even voted to correct anyone who addresses them using
the e-word.2 Centro Ybor
After some confusion, the city agreed to allow a Chicago company to remake the sinking Centro Ybor. Offices, a hotel and residences may be in the complex’s future. Will it be enough to make this entertai … oops, HISTORIC district succeed?
