OLDSMAR, Fla. — The city of Oldsmar takes pride in its small town feel.

There has not been many major development projects in recent years but that might soon change as the city looks to create a new mixed-use area that could bring more businesses, residents, and visitors.

The city wants to develop a piece of property that has remained basically untouched for more than 20 years.

Some want to see that changed. The city council has held a series of public hearings and brought in two developers to provide plans, which they narrowed down to one.

What You Need To Know

  •  Oldsmar holding a series of hearings on a major downtown development project 

  •  The city owned land has sat empty for more than 20 years 

  •  The city wants to create a mix-use area that includes businesses and apartments  

  • City of Oldsmar

The council voted 3-2 to begin negotiations with Stanbery Development Group to develop eight acres on State Road 580 at Tampa Road. The property is bordered by State Street and Washington Ave.  

City councilmember Katie Gannon says the project could be a major boost for the city.

“I think the majority of our residents would like to see something other than a grassy field that the city has been paying taxes on and mowing for about 20 years,” Gannon said.

 

She has been a long time resident and wants to see something done.

 

“It would mean that we could change the downtown area to be an inclusive place, to revitalize some of the businesses’ along State Street, to make it more inviting for people to live there,” Gannon said.

 

Some on the city council want to see a more vibrant area but it will be a long process to determine a final plan.

 

The council voted 3-2 to begin negotiations with Stanbery Development Group to develop eight acres on State Road 580 at Tampa Road. The property is bordered by State Street and Washington Avenue.  (Google Maps)

Oldsmar City Manager Felicia Donnelly says the city has been transparent with the public holding hearings and asking for public input and more hearings are scheduled.

“If we reach a mutually agreed upon development terms and site plan, I'd bring that back to the City Council and then the council will then decide if the city wants to move forward,” Donnelly said.

 

However, some residents have voiced concern over the project, including former Oldsmar Mayor Jerry Beaverland. He addressed the council in a public hearing in August.

 

“There is not a person on the council that wants density next to their house," Beaverland said. "No person would want that."

 

The project isn’t close to breaking ground as the city council still has to finalize plans for what it will look like and allow more public comment.