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Dead Rats May Prompt Move To New Offices In Westchase

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By JASON GEARY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 9, 2007

WESTCHASE - The smell of dead rats in the walls has the property management staff of the Westchase Community Association looking forward to fresh accommodations.

Patty Stewart, property manager for Westchase, and her staff work inside an old warehouse off Linebaugh Avenue near Westchase Elementary.

She told the association's board members at Thursday's meeting that the pungent odor of the rodents is particularly bad in the morning.

For more than a year, the association investigated whether to build new office space near the Village Swim and Tennis Club. Last month, money was set aside for the project, which has been a source of much debate and controversy.

Stewart said she has long kept silent on the issue of whether to build new office space, but the situation is getting "very difficult."

Board member Mary Griffin described the situation as embarrassing. "You will gag when you walk in there," she said.

Griffin urged the board to reconsider renting space until the new office space is ready. "They need relief now," she said.

The board didn't take any action but told Stewart to look at renting and other possible options.

In other action, two residents spoke to the board about their frustrations with the deed-restricted community's violation process and how they've incurred substantial legal fees and fines.

Each month, hundreds of letters are mailed to residents warning them of deed restriction violations.

Board member Ben Reinhart volunteered to develop an "information packet" for new residents, in particular going over the violation process and other basics about living in Westchase.

"I would like to play around with it," he said.

Reinhart also suggested making the first violation letters that residents receive a bright orange color to get residents' attention.

In other matters, the board voted to spend about $4,200 to buy 11 trash cans for the community's two swim and tennis facilities.

The board also voted to spend $43,182 to resurface tennis courts and install fencing at the swim and tennis center on Countryway Boulevard. The decision on resurfacing the courts of the Village Swim and Tennis Club was postponed until more information can be found about whether to use a "soft court" material.

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.

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