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For sale: a signature corner

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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: November 25, 2009

TAMPA PALMS - Grace Episcopal Church on Amberly Drive is trying to sell 4 acres on one of the community's signature corners.

Don't expect to see a real estate sign gently beneath the towering pines anytime soon. Grace Episcopal leaders are spreading the message to other congregations through word of mouth.

The land is at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Tampa Palms West boulevards.

The asking price?

Make us an offer we can't refuse, said Ed Green, the church's senior warden, who is handling the sales effort.

The tree-lined parcel between the church and City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center has been a high-profile site for many community events, including Pops in the Park and the New Tampa Arts Festival.

It also has been targeted by commercial developers in the past.

But the latest venture is aimed strictly at church groups or schools that might be interested in moving or expanding into Tampa Palms, Green said.

Grace Episcopal, 15102 Amberly Drive, is among the oldest churches in New Tampa. It is led by The Rev. Canon Benjamin Twinamaani, who referred questions about the land sale to Green.

The church contends it no longer needs the land for a new sanctuary or school, which was part of its master plan.

"The church has looked for a number of years at selling that property," Green said.

An agreement transferring land owned by the Tampa Palms Community Development District to the church years ago limited the site's use to religious or educational purposes. The CDD has the right of refusal should the property be offered for sale for any other project.

Green said the church plans to keep the CDD and Tampa Palms Owners Association advised of any potential buyers.

Bill Edwards, president of the Tampa Palms Owners Association, said his organization has no control over the use of the church site, but he is aware of the deed restrictions.

"What they have does not allow them to sell it on the open market," Edwards said.
District consultant Maggie Wilson said the church is not required to notify the CDD should it find a church or school interested in buying the property.

A reversion clause was included in the deed more than a decade ago to protect Tampa Palms and its residents, she said.

"The citizens of Tampa Palms gave the property to Grace church because they deemed it to be the best use," Wilson said.

In addition, the planned Bruce B. Downs Boulevard widening will necessitate the use of 2 acres of church property for an enlarged drainage pond.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 259-7413.

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