(updated July 22, 2024 ) Onyx+East, the developer that seeks to purchase and develop two parcels of land from Pasadena Community Church, filed an appeal to the St. Petersburg City Council to reconsider The St. Petersburg Community Planning and Preservation Commission’s 7-0 rejection of a rezoning application.
Onyx+East proposes to build 60 units including 40 attached townhomes and 20 free-standing homes on the land, which would require a zoning change. Opponents said the change threatens the character of the Old Pasadena neighborhood.
The 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. “ The Commission commonly follows city staff recommendations and the City Council usually follows the Commission’s decisions, but such approval is not required.
The appeal states, “In denying Applicants’ request, (to grant the rezoning application) the Commission’s decision was not based upon the standards of review for Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan nor the consideration of competent substantial evidence of same.”
The city’s website explains the procedure of the Council’s appeal hearing.
City code requires a “super majority” of the voting city council members to overturn a St. Petersburg Community Planning and Preservation Commission’s decision, meaning six of eight council members would have to vote to allow the zoning change.
The city council will hear the appeal on August 8th.
pccforward.org 