But instead of new family restaurants opening, Venditto saw more drinking establishments. It was part of the reason David Venditto, 38, and his wife moved to the West Park Village Townhomes about two years ago. It was called "Tampa's New Generation community" in 1995, known as a place to live, work, attend school and play. "We have people working at these places that are trying to survive," Zepp said.įrom its inception in the mid '90s, Westchase has been heralded for its mixed-use concept. Zepp said serving liquor at Blend is a way of weathering a rocky economy and providing more options for customers. Still, at its April 8 board meeting, the Westchase Community Association discussed allowing residents to put "No Trespassing" signs on their yards. Over the past six months, deputies have responded to three alcohol-related calls in the shopping center - not considered a problematic area, said Phil Acaba, a Hillsborough County sheriff's community resource deputy. Some believe that people drawn from outside Westchase are part of the problem, though the majority of patrons on a recent night lived in Westchase. The establishments produce noise, parking problems and loitering, say residents who live nearby. Other restaurants in Westchase also sell alcohol, including Catch 23 and Stone Chase Grill. Tijuana Flats, a casual Mexican eatery, and World of Beer also sell beer. Siam Thai, a new Asian restaurant in the same strip mall, was approved to serve beer and wine last month. Zen Bistro, a longtime sushi bar in the shopping center, also sells liquor. Last year, Maloney's, an Irish pub selling hard liquor, opened. Gradually, the number of businesses serving alcohol has increased inside the Avenues at Westchase, the community's prominent restaurant and retail complex. Said Niemis: "It's turning into a mini Ybor City in the middle of suburbia." Mike Niemis, president of the West Park Village Townhomes association, is among them.
They say the liquor license would be one more step toward turning Westchase into a destination more suited for parties than families.
But residents who live nearby aren't happy about the news.
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