By Matt Wiley
Preparations are under way for the next segment of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. widening, between Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms and E. Bearss Ave. But, before that “Segment A” widening can begin, Hillsborough County is in the process of obtaining the land it needs to widen the busy roadway, including a triangular-shaped parcel it just purchased from Grace Episcopal Church in Tampa Palms.
According to court records filed on October 23, the County will pay Grace Episcopal (which is located on a parcel of land that connects BBD, Tampa Palms Blvd. and Amberly Dr.) $4,495,440 for the vacant parcel located adjacent to the church itself at the corner of Tampa Palms Blvd. and BBD.
Eric Watkins, a senior land agent with Hillsborough’s real estate services department, says that the 5.92-acre piece of land, which has frontage on BBD, will be used as a storm water retention pond for the BBD widening.
“We’re fairly close to having all of the land we need for the Segment A Widening,” Watkins says. “There are just two parcels still in negotiations.”
Rev. Benjamin B. Twinamaani of Grace Episcopal says to commemorate the sale of the land, which was used as the site of the annual “Pops in the Park” concert series, the church and Tampa Palms resident Mary Wendelken’s Tampa Piano Studio (a tenant of the church) will be hosting a black-tie musical recital and auction to benefit Metropolitan Ministries on Saturday, November 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with a children’s concert, followed by a formal reception and “adult” concert at 6 p.m.
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