TREASURE ISLAND - The Planning and Zoning Board has delayed a ruling on a proposed condominium complex on Sunset Beach that would occupy the former sites of Nick's Seabreeze Bar & Grill and Beach Nutts Bar & Grill at 9456 and 9600 West Gulf Blvd.
After nearly three hours of testimony Thursday, much of it from residents protesting the plan, the board asked Tierra Verde developer Tom Rodgers to resubmit his request for a special exception in May. The property consists of five lots and part of a sixth, all zoned commercial.
The city in 2002 granted a special exception to the commercial zoning to Ken Brown, the previous owner. But instead of building single-family homes, Brown sold the property. Rodgers and Gary Shirley, the current owners, envision Arrowhead Point Treasure Island as an 11-unit complex spread out over three buildings.
Several residents reminded the board of the March 9 City Commission elections, when incumbents Butch Ellsworth and Barbara Blush lost their seats to newcomers who promised to hold the line on new development.
One developer opposed the plan. Raxit Shah said he has spent more than $2-million on four townhomes under construction across the street from the proposed site, believing that the gulfside property would contain single-family homes with a height limit of 30 feet.
The proposed Arrowhead site consists of three buildings with an above-ground parking level plus four stories, and a maximum height of 55 feet. If the buildings go up, Shah said, his own property values go down.
Rodgers said that adding pricey and attractive residential units - two have sold for a combined $3.7-million - enhances the value of the surrounding area.
