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Residents protest again; another project okayed

Old Northeast residents say plans for a residentially zoned parcel on Fourth Street would have dire effects. The EDC disagrees.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published June 11, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - For the second time in two months, the Environmental Development Commission overrode protests from residents in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood relating to commercial redevelopment on Fourth Street.

Last month, the controversy surrounded a proposed retail building at 1203 Fourth St. N with parking in a residential zone at the rear. This case has been appealed to the City Council and will be heard on July 6

Wednesday, more than 25 residents turned out to protest a proposed redevelopment of a 1 acre parcel on Fourth Street between 22nd and 21st avenues. Again, the developers wanted to use residentially zoned property at the rear of the site for parking associated with a new gas station, convenience store and carwash complex.

Despite predictions that the proposed development would have dire effects on the neighborhood, the EDC approved the project on a 4-2 vote.

"We have been working on this project for over a year. We have had countless meetings and it has come a long way," said zoning official John Hixenbaugh. "This is a significant improvement over the original approved plan."

A previous plan for the site at 2131 Fourth St. N had been approved by the EDC in 1998, but was never developed. The site is currently operated as a Rally Store gas station and convenience store.

The developer, Panther Petroleum Inc., plans to tear down the existing buildings and put up a larger gas station complex, a new convenience store and cafe, and a carwash, which required variances for setbacks, Dumpster location and wall height, and a special exception to allow parking in a residential zone.

The proposed project completely redesigns the site and adds extensive landscaping. The buildings' Mediterranean Revival architectural style will be similar to that at nearby Sunken Gardens and will include decorative lighting, outdoor seating by the cafe and neighborhood entry signs.

"This is not an intensive development of this site," stressed Don Mastry, who spoke for the applicants.

That statement drew groans and protests from residents in the audience who oppose what they see as intrusion into the residential area east of Fourth Street.

"This is not about keeping a gas station or Rally Store. We are concerned about encroachment of intense development into the neighborhood," said Nicole Durkin, an attorney representing residents in the area.

She asked the EDC to deny the project and force the property owners to redesign the project to remain within the 150-foot commercial zone along Fourth Street.

Resident Peter Hooper said increasing commercial development has "chilled" residential investment in the area.

Many residents said they were worried about an alley that bisects the commercial property and extends into the neighborhood. They were concerned that customers might try to use the alley to avoid the busy intersection at Fourth Street and 22nd Avenue.

Other residents objected to the store being open 24 hours and to the presence of a carwash, as well as to increased noise and traffic on neighborhood streets.

"We are fighting for the survival of our neighborhood, to keep it intact, to keep it safe. This kind of place belongs up on Ulmerton," said resident Connie Russell.

Resident Robert Hart said the project would "cause a traffic and environmental nightmare."

Several residents did speak in favor of the project, stressing that it does not involve any change of use of the property.

"The improvement of the property will benefit the community as a whole," said resident Bill Tapp.

EDC Chairman Charles Canerday called the controversy a "classic case of automobiles clashing with residents of a neighborhood."

Mastry stressed that the Rally Store owners are active in the community and contributors to many organizations. "This is a good company," he said. "This is just an emotional issue."

During the EDC discussion, it was clear that a majority of the members did not agree with the residents that the project would harm their neighborhood or make the 22nd Avenue intersection any more dangerous.

"I don't think we have the right as a board to tell one company that they don't have the right to build because the traffic is bad enough," said EDC member Lynn Cravey.

The residents opposing the project have until June 19 to file an appeal of the EDC decision (#06-32000006) to the City Council.

n n n

In other action, the EDC:

n Approved a special exception, variances and related site plan for a 2,280-square-foot crematory at the Richard E. Sorenson Funeral Home at 3180 30th Ave. N. The crematory would be on the southwest corner of the site. A residential area is between 150 and 200 feet from the proposed crematory. (#06-32000015, J-16.)

n Approved a special exception and related site plan for a three-story, 12,307-square-foot bank building at 2240 18th Ave. S. The project would include space for offices and a drive-through facility. The site is within the city's Tangerine Avenue Community Redevelopment Area property acquired to encourage new commercial services in the area. (#06-32000016.)

n Approved the vacation of a 16-foot wide alley running north-south from 13th Avenue to 12th Avenue S and west of Fifth Street S. The alley will be closed to traffic, but improved to allow continued pedestrian access between the Bartlett Park and Roser Park neighborhoods. (#06-33000016.)

[Last modified June 11, 2006, 08:32:15]