Gates High School Zoning Hearing - Who, What, Where

Here is some information about whom you can contact to share your opinion, what to say, and where to go regarding the zoning hearing on the Gates High School (aka Learning Gate Community School - high school) - SU 11-0731.

Who to contact:


To let Zoning be aware of your opinion on the hearing you can use the contact form, or email Isabelle A. Albert (alberti@hillsboroughcounty.org) - Senior Planner - Planning and Zoning Services Division -813.276.8396.  I recommend cc'ing David Croft (dcroft@hillsboroughcounty.org)  Make sure you  include SU 11-0731 in all emails / correspondence.

Here is some information when the hearing is finally held:

Date/Time: March 19, 2012 6:00PM


What to say:


Prepare in advance what you want to say. Write it down and keep it under 3 minutes. Practice it a few times. Research. The more you know in advance what the issues are the better you can address them. I've tried to put the information out in my prior posts. If there is something you want to know email me and I will see about locating the information,

It might help to watch a hearing on Hillsborough TV in advance. Brighthouse Networks Channel 622  or Verizon Fios Channel 22 or via Live Webcast.  Here is the Programmming Schedule.  Or you could watch a video on demand.  There are no specific zoning hearings on the on demand service, but any of the Land Use Hearings could substitute.  By watching a hearing you will get a general idea on how things flow, and what the room looks like and what other citizens are like presenting.

When presenting I recommend facts and stories and not simply emotion.  It's not good enough that you support or oppose event, but why.  When you watch a hearing on TV put yourself in place of those on the board and see which presenters might sway you.  You don't have to be a hypnotic preacher to make a good case. You are not expected to be a professional presenter.  Simply tell the board members how this will affect you.

There will be other cases heard before the hearing board so you will wait.

Where to go:


It's more fun to carpool and go in groups. Ggive you self time to park and walk to the building.

The zoning hearings are held at the Hillsborough County Center Building at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL in the County board room on the 2nd floor.  From I-275 take the Jefferson Street exit.  Note that there are many one way streets so if you are unfamiliar with Downtown Tampa, study the map carefully.  There are two entrances to the building.

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

Parking

There is metered parking along the streets, as well as hourly parking in the Pierce Street garage and private parking lots in the area. The metered spots are using new solar-powered pay stations that will make visiting downtown much easier. The pay stations accept nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar coins as well as Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards. The entrance to the Pierce Street garage is on Jackson Street; the exit is onto Pierce Street

Prior Posts:
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-next-hearing-march-19.html

http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-response-by-executive.html

http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/learning-gate-new-high-school-update.html

http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2011/12/learning-gate-community-school.html