Addendum_3_-_Binding_Letter_of_Interpretation_RFQ_24-11.pdf

This document is an Application for a Binding Letter of Development of Regional Impact Status submitted by the Museum of Science & Industry in Hillsborough County, Florida, to the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs. The museum is proposing a 15-year expansion project to develop 47 acres, expanding from its existing 7-acre site to 47 acres with 168,000 gross square feet of public use facility and 700 parking spaces. The proposed expansion will be developed in three phases between 1990 and 2004, with 110,000 square feet of new structure in Phase 1 (1990-1994), 65,000 square feet of renovation in Phase 2 (1994-1999), and 50,000 square feet of new structure in Phase 3 (1999-2004). The project will include exhibit areas, an OMNIMAX theater with 340 seats, visitor services, education services, and administrative support spaces.

The expansion project is located in Section 16, Township 28 South, Range 19 East, approximately 8 miles south of Pasco County, and is currently designated under industrial land use classifications. The museum currently offers educational programs for students from pre-school to college level, with over 33,000 students participating in 1987-88. The proposed development includes two retail areas: a museum store with 2,000 square feet of public space and a visitor food service area with 1,600 square feet of public space. The project is designed to be compatible with existing land use and zoning designations and will not require a land use amendment. The expansion is not considered a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and falls below the thresholds requiring additional regional review.