The joint Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department is keeping all options open as it considers redeveloping part of the historic Myers Park neighborhood. But some residents are still anxious about the proposal.
The nine acre parcel in question currently houses the City Parks and Rec offices, community rooms, and storage areas. But squeezed in between Cascades Park and the Historic Myers Park neighborhood, it is a prime piece of real estate. Now the city is considering rezoning the land to allow for recreation and residential housing, and private developers could ultimately buy it. The city planning department sees the change as part of a larger strategy to encourage a vibrant urban center. But Myers Park resident Linc Clay is worried about how his neighborhood could change.
“Why do we not first develop privately-held, already appropriately zoned property near Cascades Park to achieve this, rather than start adversely impacting an historic neighborhood?” he asked. "It seems to me like you're adversely impacting the very people who are supporting your vision and have bought into your vision [of a dense, walkable downtown]."
Commissioners will review public feedback and design concepts before making a final decision. And city planner Barry Wilcox says if the board doesn’t like the proposed developments, they don't have to change anything.
“These are all things that are considerations that will be taken during the request for proposals process. And like I said, if we don’t get anything back that’s usable, we’re not compelled to act on any of it,” Wilcox said.
The planning department will take public feedback on the proposal on January 23rd.
