TAMPA, Fla. — Community members are urging Hillsborough College to delay demolition planned for its Dale Mabry Campus as part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed $2.3 billion ballpark project.
Seven speakers addressed the college’s district board of trustees at Wednesday’s meeting, asking the college not to move forward with demolition that could take place in December, according to definitive documents on the project. The Rays have received the approvals needed to move forward with the project.
The college’s president, Dr. Ken Atwater, has said the deal is a generational opportunity to modernize the campus. Speakers at the meeting said they were concerned the demolition would remove public infrastructure without firm replacement plans in place.
“Under any reasonable interpretation of the facts and requirements, these buildings should not be demolished,” said Laura Lawson, a Hillsborough College parent.
Renderings of the project show new buildings and grounds on the Dale Mabry Campus. Lawson said she worries those plans may not become reality after existing buildings are removed.
“There is no promise whatsoever. There’s a rendering without a promise. There have been assurances provided, but there is no state funding in place,” Lawson said.
Roxie Lackman, a Tampa resident, noted the request came the same day the board approved increased lab fees for some classes and a carryforward spending plan that included $5 million for rebranding with the school’s new name.
“How dare you vote to raise student lab fees to cover equipment maintenance when your own spreadsheets prove you’re prioritizing corporate vanity and public relations over permanent brick and mortar classrooms?” Lackman said.
Atwater said the Dale Mabry Campus buildings were built in the 1970s. He previously told Spectrum News the Rays deal made it possible for the school to get between $150 million and $180 million in state funds for a redesign.
“I respect people’s opinion, truly, but our job is to do what we think is the best interest of the college,” Atwater said. “From our perspective, we think we’re creating a better learning environment and fulfilling our mission better.”
The Rays have said their partnership with HC can lead to new academic programs, expanded facilities and career pathways for students to employers within the new district.
Lackman and others said they want to see more details about plans to replace campus buildings and amenities.
“There are plans to replace some of these buildings. There are plans to replace the tennis courts. We would love to see them,” Lackman said.
The increased fees approved by the board apply to some health sciences courses. The increases range from $2 to $8, while one course saw a $3 reduction. Atwater said the fees are intended to cover higher equipment costs and that the college is not making a profit.