Developer seeks alternatives to renting Temple Terrace townhomes

TEMPLE TERRACE -- When Harry Hedges came before the city council asking for permission to rent half of the homes in his Bella Terazza development, he didn't receive a sweeping vote of confidence.

Council members expressed concern that amending his contract with the city, which required the homes to be owner occupied, would add to the growing number of transient residents.

Residents of the development, located on Temple Heights Road near 56th Street, were concerned that possible renters may not take as much pride in their temporary homes as a fellow homeowner would in their investment.

So, Hedges is coming up with alternatives.

Along with the city manager, Kim Leinbach, Hedges is looking at several buyer's aid programs the city could adopt, including down payment assistance programs.

"The hope is to get people into the homes," Hedges said in previous interview. "I've worked a lot with workforce housing and with the market how it is now, it's going to be tough."

The council has yet to give Hedges an answer on his original request to rent, but is expected to hear his alternative proposals before a decision is made.

"We're still working on it," Leinbach said.

Robbyn Mitchell, Times staff writer