TAMPA - The Tampa City Council on Thursday allowed a developer to withdraw its request for a slice of city land next to its proposed apartment complex.

The council also postponed a hearing on rezoning the 13-acre site, 6608 S. West Shore Blvd., until May 22 so the Zaremba Group can submit new plans reducing the number of apartments to 246 from 274.

City staff and residents of West Shore Circle, on the north side of the former Wenczel Tile site, opposed Zaremba's request for the right of way, which is about 800 feet long and 80 feet wide. Part of the right of way is planned for a city trail system.

About 4,500 tons of arsenic must be removed along a railroad spur that entered the plant, which closed in 1993.

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.