New Tampa, especially the Bruce B. Downs, I-75 corridor, is really hot in terms of commercial development. There's a very strong demand for hotels [that] we hope this 160-unit project will be able to satisfy.

In my view it could be a carpet of development from Tampa to Orlando. Without protection and public ownership, it would have happened already.

Downtown, and elsewhere, as well as annexation opportunities, especially along the I-85 corridor, that's been very powerful for the city's revenue base.

Why don't you come down (to Tampa)?

The ramifications would have been a moratorium on new development, all new development, residential and commercial; heavy fines from the federal government through the federal courts; and possibly the takeover of the city's water system,

I am adamantly opposed to Wal-Mart anywhere, but especially in a development like this.