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Westchase Leaders Study Shade

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

WESTCHASE - Westchase leaders will have to decide whether to leave residents out in the sun or pay for some shade.

Community Development District leaders are considering adding play equipment to one of the neighborhood parks in Westchase and bleacher coverings at the soccer field.

The leaders directed staff members to research types of play equipment as well as costs. But CDD supervisors wanted more research done into the type of play equipment being considered and their safety ratings. They also wanted to get input from residents who might live near proposed areas.

They also need to decide whether the play courts will be covered and whether to pay for awnings that would shade soccer bleachers at a cost of $9,000.

"I'm just wondering if we could be putting the money to better use," said supervisor Susan Edgerley.

Some wondered if trees could be planted for shading but were told it would take 20 years before they grew to a suitable height and that the tree shade could affect the grass on the soccer field.

"I would encourage us to do it, because I've seen a lot of people using those bleachers," said supervisor Mark Ragusa.

The supervisors delayed the issue until the October meeting to gather more information.

In other action:

•Supervisors voted to push forward with a traffic calming project on Countryway Boulevard despite news that the county plans to resurface the street. Supervisors determined resurfacing can take place after speed bumps are installed.

•The CDD's legal team is moving forward with the process to merge Westchase CDD and Westchase East CDD. Attorneys are studying how other CDDs in the state have handled the process.

•Supervisors allowed temporary signs for a new Saturday market in Westchase with the understanding the operators must bring the signs down at the market's close. Supervisors said they reserved the right to review the sign policy.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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