(May 7, 2024) The Staff Report to the St. Petersburg Community Planning & Preservation Commission finds that Onyx+East’s request to rezone the two parcels of land owned by Pasadena Community Church, are “appropriate” and “consistent” with city development plans. And the staff report, which carries significant weight with commissioners and city council, recommended “approval.” The report found:
The Community Planning and Preservation Commission usually follows staff recommendations but is not required to do so. The City Council usually follows Commission recommendations, but again is not required to do so. Here are some key findings from the Community Planning and Preservation Commission staff report:
“The proposed amendments to the RM land use designation and NSM-1 zoning district are considered appropriate at this location as it is consistent with several Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives, and policies, which are included in the following section of the report. For example, a main goal of the future land use element is to direct and manage the type, distribution, density and intensity of development and redevelopment to protect and enhance the fabric and character of neighborhoods, and to attain the highest level of economic well-being possible for the city and its citizens.“
“The proposed NSM-1 zoning district is consistent with the existing zoning pattern of
the general surrounding area and neighborhood as the proposed zoning remains
consistent with the intensity of the adjacent zoning districts in proximity along the 1st
Avenue Corridor. The proposed future land use designation of RM promotes the
established consistency and character of the entire 1st Avenue South corridor.“
The Staff Report found that Onyx+East”s application to build two-attached homes on the site closest to 66th Avenue then build single-family homes on the soccer field site provides a buffer to the nearest single-family homes in the community:” The staff report said:
“The proposed multifamily housing development will provide for a compatible land use
transition from the intersection of two Future Major Streets allowing a medium density
development to buffer the adjacent lower density single family residential blocks from
the various commercial uses in proximity and adjacent vehicle intersections. The subject
site is buffered by the Pinellas Trail to the northeast and circle park to the southeast.“
“The Pinellas Trail is adjacent to the subject site, located along the northeast boundary
providing safe and convenient pedestrian access to the trail. The trail extends north and
eastward, connecting to Central Avenue, nearby commercial corridors, adjacent
residential neighborhoods, and recreational destinations. Thus, allowing new residential
developments at the subject site to provide accessibility to the trail to a greater number
of people.“
The staff report said there is sufficient road capacity in the area as well as sufficient water and sewer capacity to handle the 60 housing units that Onyx+East is proposing for the two sites that currently are home to a soccer field as well as the Preschool-Thrift Shop and church workshop.
The city staff report added, “There are sidewalks on the northern side of 1st Avenue South, eastern side of 70th Street, and northern side of 2nd Avenue South. If the rezoning is approved and the site is redeveloped, a sidewalk may be required on the southern side of 1st Avenue South.”
Here is what happens next:
May 14th, 2p.m.-The Community Planning and Preservation Commission hears testimony from city staff, the applicant (Onyx+East and PCC) as well as a representative who might oppose the zoning change. There will also be time for other comments who are not official representatives of the two listed parties. The Commission votes and the recommendation, which usually follows staff recommendations, go to the city council for consideration.
June 6th, 5p.m.-First reading in front of the city council. This is mostly a formality where the zoning application is “read into” the public record. No testimony will occur.
July 11th, 5p.m.-The City Council holds a hearing on the application. The Council hears from the city staff, then from the applicant and from others who may have concerns about the change. The City Council then votes. If the Council approves, then the city applies to the Pinellas County government to alter the countywide plan map.
September 11th-The Countywide Planning Authority votes to alter the county map.
October 15- Pinellas County Board of Commissioners final vote
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