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County approves zoning changes for Bayside housing project
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 |
CLEARWATER – Despite objections from the neighbors, environmentalists and the county’s Local Planning Agency, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved land use and zoning changes necessary for a new affordable housing project near the Bayside Bridge.
An overflow crowd showed up for the July 22 public hearing. More than 20 speakers expressed the same concerns made via phone calls, e-mails and petitions signed by more than 500 people opposed to construction of a five-story housing complex on 23 acres of undeveloped land located on the east and west side of 49th Street, primarily lying north 162nd Avenue North in unincorporated Clearwater.
Most of the land rezoned for the development is owned by Bayside Reserves and 12.5 acres is owned by the county. The county’s land will go to Bayside Reserves in exchange for other land in the area, including several submerged parcels.
The partners in the project are Banc of America Community Development Corporation; Bayside Reserves Inc.; and Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County and Bayside Apartment Homes.
The developer’s agreement includes a request for a 50 percent affordable housing density bonus. In exchange for the density bonus, the developer agreed that at least 20 percent of the 209 apartment units would be affordable to people at 60 percent of median income.
Some of the objections to development on the land, which was described by Paul Cassel, director of Building and Review Services, as vacant, forested with some tidal uplands adjacent to Tampa Bay, was that it was undeveloped. Neighbors and environmentalists asked why the housing project couldn’t be built on property that was already “concrete.” Some pointed to areas that they said were in sore need of redevelopment as better places to build.
Another environmental concern was an eagle’s nest located in a cell tower about 660 feet from the project. While state and federal law does not prohibit construction of the apartment complex, many were concerned that removal of the forested land would take away habitat needed for the eagle to survive.
Other concerns included traffic, potential pollution from increased traffic, lack of jobs in the area, verification of a need for additional rental housing in the county, and increased demands on the sheriff’s office and other emergency services. The apartment complex would receive sewer and fire services from the city of Largo.
Some neighbors were opposed because of the affordable housing aspect and a potential for increased crime. Before the night was over, several ugly accusations were made and some speakers resorted to name calling.
Cassel said county staff had weighed the pros and cons before making its recommendation to approve the zoning changes and the developer’s agreement. He said it was staff’s opinion that the intended use of the land was compatible with the neighborhood.
He also said that the developer’s agreement included several requirements designed to help alleviate any traffic problems and improve the neighborhood.
Anthony Jones, executive director of Housing Finance Authority, said the project was part of the county’s efforts started in 2005 to increase the availability of affordable housing by developing a land trust.
Commissioner Susan Latvala said that the Bayside project was started because of the board’s actions and request for negotiations for affordable housing.
“I’m disturbed by the reaction of the neighborhood,” she said. “I wish residents would become better informed about what we’re trying to do.”
Commission Chairman Robert Stewart also commented on the public’s reaction.
“Most of you have been respectful and stated your opinions and emotions quite well,” he said. “Others crossed the line of good taste.”
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Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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