Finding a Fit For ARI

Clinical trial company faces obstacles in making iself at home ast home in a rented building.

While New Port Richey officials are willing to work with Advanced Research Institute, the company may still face obstacles in creating a home for itself on Congress Avenue. ARI, which performs clinical drug trials, recently moved into a building at 6716 Congress Ave. Since changing its address from Trinity to New Port Richey, the company has been embroiled in a controversey surrounding the property's current zoning. City leaders agreed Tuesday to look into the prospect of changing the zoning regulations for the parcel. One challenge still remains: ARI leases the Congress Ave. address. The building is owned by Juvenile Services Program, which ran a home for troubled boys. The building’s owner has refused to sign off on a rezoning, but told …

• Photos (1)

ARI Zoning Conflict Coming to a Head

Clinical trial business has been cited for violating city code.

Advanced Research Institute operates clinical drug trials and recently moved into offices in New Port Richey. But its operation in a former home for troubled boys is a violation of the city’s zoning code, say city officials. Now, they are citing the company for doing so, according to the Tampa Bay Times. ARI moved into the city from Trinity, into space once used as Harbinger House that is zoned residential. The city attorney has said ARI needs office zoning. Code enforcement issued a written warning May 4 that ARI was operating in violation because of the zoning and had 14 days to correct the issue, or it would face a citation. Susan Randall, ARI’s chief executive officer, said to the Times that the building is owned by Juvenile Services …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Zoning Clash Raises Questions

The Tampa Bay Times reports that Advanced Research Institute, which employs Judy DeBella Thomas, has opened shop in defiance of a neighborhood's zoning restriction.