Latest Armory Plan Makes Sense

Like some form of real estate Whac-A-Mole, yet another proposal for the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory has popped up. And while no one expects the latest plan over the five years of vacancy to yield a “West Tampa Renaissance,” the news was greeted without the usual recessionary skepticism.

That’s because it’s grounded in reality: need, influential political catalysts, wherewithal and a cause that resonates. The next reincarnation for the 75,000-square-foot, World War II-era landmark could be a Veterans Administration outpatient clinic.

It makes sense. The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital near USF in North Tampa is overcrowded, and the veterans’ population of this region — and that West Tampa neighborhood — is substantial. Haley expansion must — and will — happen for the busiest polytrauma facility in the country.

Prominently on board already are U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, the prime mover, and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and City Councilman Charlie Miranda. Both Iorio and Miranda could help grease the skids for required rezoning. “It’s a win-win proposition for our community,” underscored Castor.

A new, more convenient health clinic, pointed out Miranda, would work for vets who certainly deserve no less, and would work as a community redevelopment project. “A health clinic is a step in the right direction,” he said, “and I think it would spur development around there.”

Frankly, it makes more sense than that ballyhooed, $98-million Heritage Square project announced back in 2007. That’s the one that would have included a luxury hotel, spa, boutiques and restaurants. The one that was never practicable for that working class neighborhood.

Granted, a proposal for a mixed-use project that featured a film studio and soundstage had merit. It would have met a critical need, while acting as a magnet for arts-related enterprises and catalyst for jobs. But it was trumped by the renaissance bells and whistles of Heritage Square.

But that was then, and this is not.

Now the choice is between continued vacancy or renewed commitment to our most vulnerable veterans. No, it wouldn’t be an extreme makeover, but it could have, as Miranda noted, a positive ripple effect on the area. And how appropriate that a building that was dedicated the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor would be returning to its military service roots.

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