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Parcel Piques Interest As Possible Park

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 2008

WESTCHASE - Leaders for Westchase are looking into a land purchase that could lead to a park expansion.

Community Development District supervisors are exploring the possibility of purchasing a parcel of land in Westchase, though they don't want to invest too much time or expense.

The parcel is about 3 acres and near the West Park Center. The staff says the property is adjacent to railroad tracks, and about 50 feet of the back part of the property has an easement for the Tampa Electric Co. The land was once looked at for a possible community center.

Supervisor Greg Chesney said in a recent meeting he wants to explore the purchase.

"I think it would allow for a different type of park expansion," he said. "If we wanted basketball courts or a skate park, we can't really do that at the existing facility in the middle of everything. This would be a more appropriate place, more in the back."

But with an asking price of $150,000, supervisor Mark Ragusa isn't sure about making the move.

"I think that price is ridiculous, and that's why the property hasn't sold in 12 years," he said. "It's not of use to most people."

Because of the easement and shape of the property, users would be limited to what they could do with the land. But the property is zoned for recreational use, making it suitable for a park expansion.

Some supervisors expressed concern over how the purchase would be funded, noting it would likely mean an assessment to homeowners. But supervisor Joseph Lechman said the cost would be minimal and could be worth it.

"We should try to get it at a reasonable price now so we can be in control of our own destiny," Lechman said.

Supervisors finally decided to explore the sale without spending money on a survey or engineer at this time.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523.

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