Commissioners authorize negotiations with developer MMI for 13.15‑acre easement in Progress Village, drawing mixed public reaction

Hillsborough County commissioners on July 16 authorized staff to negotiate terms with developer MMI for an approximately 13.15‑acre stormwater and floodplain management easement on county‑owned property in Progress Village. John Mueller, director of Facilities Management Real Estate Services, told the board the county is already using roughly 27 of the 40 acres at the site for a $16,000,000 ARP‑funded Progress Village drainage improvement project and that the 13.15 acres remain available for easement consideration.

Mueller said negotiations will cover guarantees on water storage, flood mitigation, drainage benefits and long‑term maintenance commitments and that staff will return with a detailed agreement for board consideration if negotiations succeed. He also said the county’s solicitation called for a community engagement plan that includes multiple meetings with Progress Village residents and civic associations.

Residents who spoke during the public comment period urged deep engagement and protections for neighborhood priorities. Gloria Hall, a long‑time Progress Village resident, described the community as the place where she raised her family and asked the board to "continue working with us to ensure that our community ... will continue to receive the support needed to keep our vision alive for family legacy." Several other residents — including Marlise Talbert Jones and Twanda Bradley, civic leaders in Progress Village — asked the county to ensure traffic, stormwater and safety concerns are addressed as development occurs.

Commissioner Gwen Myers, the district commissioner, told the board she had previously insisted that no proposal go before the board without community meetings and said "we have had 4 meetings with the residents of Progress Village since 2022." Commissioner Joshua Wostel opposed the motion, saying MMI had not secured a letter of support from the civic association; he voted no. The motion to authorize negotiations passed 6–1.

Staff said no easement agreement is final today and that any negotiated terms will return to the board for approval. Mueller reiterated that the county will conduct its own public engagement meeting before any finalized agreement is presented to commissioners.