Community Planning and Preservation Commission unanmiously rejects rezoning of two parcels

(May 14, 2024) The St. Petersburg Community Planning and Preservation Commission unanimously rejected (7-0) the application from Pasadena Community Church and Onyx+East to rezone two parcels of property the church offered for sale.

You can watch a recording of the hearing here. (Note: in the first few minutes of the hearing there are audio issues that clear up a few minutes into the video.)

The commission voted against the city staff report that said the rezoning request was consistent with city plans. Onyx+East proposed 60 units including 40 attached townhomes and 20 free-standing homes but as opponents and commissioners pointed out, the proposed zoning change would allow for more units, even though Onyx+East has said repeatedly it was planning to build 60 homes.

Neighbors from the Old Pasadena community told commissioners that they were concerned about how changing the zoning would change the character of the neighborhood. Commissioners said they shared those concerns. Several people mentioned their concerns about how the development would impact traffic and might result in the loss of trees that surround the parcels.

Commissioners said the Old Pasadena community was “very special” and encouraged community leaders to consider seeking even more protection against future development. Other commissioners said the developers should seek land to build on that would not require rezoning.

Some of those who spoke in opposition to the rezoning said they were not opposed to single-family homes being built on the parcels.

City staff recommended approval of the rezoning request which would have designated the two parcels as NSM-1. City staff testified that the revised “zoning district is consistent with the existing zoning pattern of the general surrounding area and neighborhood. “

While the commission generally follows staff recommendations, it is not required.

Church leaders will be meeting later this week to consider next steps.