Community Group Debates Proposed Rules

By JASON GEARY The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2007

Voting members debated Tuesday about a dozen proposed guidelines for a variety of topics ranging from potted plants to wall art.

Brian Ross, president of the Westchase Community Association, said the goal was to get feedback on whether voting members supported or opposed such changes before refining them.

"I think we at least got a good starting point," he said.

A source of intense discussion focused on whether to limit the number of potted plants on a porch to four.

Some members said the change should be tweaked because it was too strict.

"This is so restrictive, and I don't know why it's necessary," said Sue Syatauw, a voting member for Glenfield.

Many residents have more than four plants outside their homes and would be cited if such changes were taken, she said

"We've got better things to do than count pots, folks," Syatauw said.

Voting members wanted to explore whether they should develop criteria for what would be acceptable "wall art" - or decorative pieces typically hung near entrances and porches.

In other matters, the voting members agreed to get feedback from residents before deciding whether to update possible paint colors for Westchase homes.

A committee has recommended potential changes to Westchase's color palette, including adding darker colors and getting rid of some pink, blue and green hues.

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.