Concerns Over Development Next to Historic Marti Colón Cemetery in West Tampa

Historic Cemetery and Unmarked Graves

• 📌 The historically designated Marti Colón Cemetery in West Tampa is the final resting place for many city pioneers.
• ⚠️ Neighborhood activists are concerned about a 1-acre grassy property adjacent to the cemetery, believing it contains unmarked burial sites.

Property Ownership and Development Plans

• 🔑 The current property owner, Patrick Thorp, purchased the land in 2018 with the stated intent to preserve it.
• 🏗️ Neighbors are now learning that Thorp is petitioning to rezone the property for residential and commercial development, including building homes.
• 🗣️ Thorp, initially seen as a preserver, is now viewed by some as a "villain" for his development plans.

Ground Penetrating Radar Study

• 🔬 In 2023, a Tampa Habad was allowed to conduct a ground penetrating radar study on the property.
• 📊 The study found 75 anomalies, some in the shape of rectangles, suggesting a strong possibility of buried bodies.
• 🚫 The Habad subsequently backed out of their development plans.

Community Action and Future Hopes

• 💬 Community members, including descendants of those buried in the cemetery, are submitting comments to the zoning administrator.
• 🏛️ Advocates hope the city, which already owns adjacent cemetery property, will purchase the disputed lot.
• ❓ The city and the property owner have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the possibility of the city purchasing the land.