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Agency Runs Afoul Of Code Enforcement

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By LIZ BLEAU, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

GIBSONTON - Daystar, the agency that helps the poor and homeless on property at the United Methodist Church on Lazella Street, has been found in violation of the county's zoning code.

Bill Langford, a code enforcement supervisor, said he has not completed the recommendations or options available to Daystar but that his initial review shows some of its operations are not allowed under the zoning regulations.

The agency, which opened this year, has come under fire from neighbors who have said the agency attracts an undesirable element to the neighborhood and that some of the homeless people are staying on the grounds at night.

Daystar feeds those in need and offers household goods and clothing at a thrift store.

Sue Sutko, center director, said she would be willing to move the agency out of the residential area and into the commercial area along U.S. 41 if it could find someone to donate space.

The agency operates on donations and has a small budget that would preclude it from renting space at market value, Sutko said.

In response to neighbors' complaints, Sutko said Daystar has moved its picnic table and gathering area from the rear of the building to the east side of the property along Lazella Street where it is more visible and away from neighbors' yards. She said she is making checks of the property after closing to make sure no one is remaining after hours.
Langford said that although churches are allowed certain activities such as food pantries and thrift stores, it appears such uses may be limited to the property where the church building is. Daystar operates on church property across the street from the building.

"Our goal is to reach some kind of solution and for Daystar to have some options," Langford said. "We can work with them and do what we can to limit the impact of the findings."
Langford said once he has completed his recommendations he will meet with Daystar, the church representatives and neighbors to discuss the findings and the options.

Reporter Liz Bleau can be reached at (813) 865-1557 or lbleau@tampatrib.com.

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