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Local
Ybor City Club Facing Closure Due To New Development Project
BYLEONB.CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
The Marti-Maceo Club (Called The Cuban Club by outsiders) is facing the possi- bility of shutting down due to new development projects ad- jacent to the club.
The Club, 1226 East 7th Av- enue, is operated by a Board, with Sharon Gomez acting as the spokesperson.
Ms. Gomez said in 2014, it was brought to her attention that a vacant lot to the west of the club that had been used for parking is being sold to devel- opers. Since that time, Ms. Gomez said she’s discovered there are plans to build an apartment building to the west of the club that will wrap around the corner onto 8th Av- enue.
“Their plans are to eliminate the brewery behind us to make room for the apartment build- ing. It was also brought to our attention that they want to close an alleyway that provides access to where our patrons park.
“I’ve met with the develop- ers on this project on more than one occasion, and we’ve
SHARON GOMEZ
tried to reach a compromise. However, when I told them I’d need to have a loss income clause written into any agree- ment, that’s when everything shut down.”
Ms. Gomez has in her pos- session a document signed by former State Senator, James Hargrett, Jr., designating the club a Historic Site.
However, Ms. Gomez said when she presented the docu- ments to city officials, she was told it was not binding, and they wouldn’t have to recog- nize the historic significance of the club.
“I know we’ve been at our present location since 1965, and the former location was never really declared historic. I do have this document from Senator Hargrett that
After passing under the arch that welcomes you to Ybor City, on the left you will find the Marti Maceo Club.
McDonaugh said when someone rents the club, pa- trons usually park in the garage on 8th Avenue.
“The developers have tried hard to work with Ms. Gomez and her board. Sev- eral proposals have been made, and I believe the devel- opers have acted in good faith in trying to reach an agree- ment with the Marti-Maceo group.”
Ms. Gomez said they are pro-culture, not anti-develop- ment.
“We’re not naïve. We all knew things were going to change in this area, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of existing businesses.
“I think we have as much of a right to operate a business as the developers have to build. We can work together on these projects, but not if they simply want to shut us down.”
Ms. Gomez has vowed to continue to fight for the future of the club, and the board would appreciate any endorse- ments they can get from the Hispanic community and pa- trons who’ve enjoyed using the club for their events.
should protect us from devel- opers shutting us down.
“My concern is that during the construction of their proj- ect, and afterwards, patrons who want to use the club will not have access. That’s why I asked for the loss revenue clause.”
Ms. Gomez said according to records, one group of devel- opers have already purchased 13 properties along 7th Avenue, including every building that surrounds the Marti-Maceo Club.
City of Tampa Economic
Opportunity Director, Bob McDonaugh, said developers plan to build a 7,000-square- foot building with retail and 100 apartments.
“As far as the parking area is concerned the city allowed her to use the lot for free with the understanding that it would eventually be sold. It was a month-to-month deal.
“The land was sitting there vacant and Marti-Maceo asked to use the land to generate extra income. They’ve enjoyed its use longer than we ex- pected.”
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A