Redevelopment Area Burger King Gets Green Light

Construction in Temple Terrace’s downtown redevelopment area is expected to start again when Burger King builds its new restaurant at 8755 N. 56th St. in front of the Sweetbay plaza.

The Temple Terrace City Council voted 3-1 at their meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3, to approve plans for the restaurant’s relocation from 101 Bullard Parkway. Councilman David Pogorilich was not present at the meeting. Councilman Grant Rimbey cast the dissenting vote.

“This project is proof that the city’s gotten a lot better as far as reviewing the architecture for projects in the city and the CRA (redevelopment area), but I still think we have a ways to go as far as the plans,” Rimbey said.

Although the new restaurant will have entry from the redevelopment area, he said, it will not have entry from a public corridor.

A drive thru will face Chicago Avenue, and the back of the building, including a dumpster, will face 56th Street. Dan Fitzpatrick, chairman and CEO of Quality Dining, the company that owns the Burger King, has said the dumpster will be camouflaged and the back of the building will be properly screened from 56th Street.

Rimbey opposed the orientation of the building.

“We really need to make sure that the plan fits with the pedestrian-oriented, multi-modal direction of the redevelopment and make sure that we’re orienting the entrances to the primary avenues for that walkability,” he said.

Councilman Eddie Vance and Councilwoman Alison Fernandez said they understand Rimbey’s concerns, but Burger King’s new location in the redevelopment area makes any alternative orientation difficult.

“When you have this structure surrounded by three avenues, basically, I don’t believe we can penalize the Burger King for this,” Vance said.

Councilman Bob Boss and Mayor Frank Chillura thanked Quality Dining for relocating the Burger King restaurant.

“We’re looking forward to a new facility in our city and development taking place,” Chillura said. “We’re all encouraging more development. We know, Mr. Fitzpatrick, that you have other desirable restaurants, and hopefully, you’ll consider coming into the city. We’re looking forward to working with you and being there for your grand opening.”

Do you agree with the council’s decision? Tell us in the comments.

See also:

• Council Votes 4-1 on Redevelopment Burger King Plan
• Council Expected to Review Redevelopment Burger King Plans
• Dump It Or Embrace It? Redevelopment Burger King Has Us Talking
• Redevelopment Area Burger King to Relocate