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Letter to the editor

New city planning guidelines get final okay

The approval wins praise, but some residents say Al Lang Field should be reclassified as a park.

By AARON SHAROCKMAN
Published August 10, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG — The City Council approved new citywide planning guidelines Thursday that, among other things, offer incentives to preserve historic buildings, build public art and create affordable housing.

The 1,300-plus-page document, which will go into effect Sept. 10, rewrites the zoning policies on every piece of property in St. Petersburg.

In the works for nearly seven years, it's an update to a 30-year-old code. Council members, who usually rush to end otherwise lengthy night meetings, seemed content Thursday to let the moment sink in.

"We've come to the moment of truth," said City Council member Jamie Bennett. "What we have is something very important. ... It's been a long time."

City officials hailed the approval as a success in hometown democracy. The new development regulations streamline the process for everything from adding a garage onto an existing Old Northeast home to building a 300-foot condominium tower in downtown.

City planners say the new regulations mix the wants of developers, preservationists and ordinary residents. But no one got everything they wanted.

"What we have here at this point is something the community needs to be proud of," said Bob Jeffrey, a senior planner who helped craft the plan, which included the input of hundreds of residents.

The land development regulations become law, though city officials admit work still needs to be done. Planners changed points up until hours before the council met.

One of the things that still may change is the zoning attached to Al Lang Field. Residents argued Thursday that the waterfront site should be classified as a park, where the new regulations put it in a less protective category.

City leaders have said they want more flexibility for potential use of the site. The Devil Rays, which use the stadium for spring training, are relocating to Port Charlotte after next year.

"It's been park and recreation use for a 100 years, almost," Downtown Neighborhood Association president Timothy Baker said. "We ought to recognize that in our zoning ordinance."

"If the city doesn't think it's likely that it would not be anything other than a park, why not make it a park?" asked resident Hal Freedman. Freedman called the Al Lang designation the glaring problem in an otherwise improved planning document.

Council members seemed to agree, though they were reluctant to make the change on the spot.

They were, however, in the mood to celebrate.

The evening ended with a rare standing ovation.

Aaron Sharockman can be reached at (727) 892-2273 or asharockman@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 00:26:37]