Tampa residents now have a chance to directly influence the future of one of their city’s historic landmarks. The local government is inviting applications for a team of non-partisan advisors to work with the Mayor and City Council on the Sanchez y Haya Building’s restoration plans. Those interested in shaping the redevelopment of this iconic structure can step forward to join the Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC).
Under a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) established in 2023, any developers tapping into the public purse are required to offer tangible perks for the locals. To actively be a part of the process that guarantees these benefits, the city is seeking to appoint four “Ad Hoc” CBAC Members from the community within a half-mile radius of the building. It’s a commitment expected to span six to nine months, as members will work to help negotiate a fair agreement between the developers and the community at large.
The Sanchez y Haya Building, a cornerstone of Ybor City since 1910, is recognized as Tampa’s first reinforced concrete structure. As a once-bustling commercial hub, it’s slated for a significant facelift that goes beyond aesthetics. The extensive renovation project encompasses historic preservation efforts, the adaptive reuse of the deteriorating structure, and the betterment of adjacent public spaces, which includes street and public infrastructure improvements…