PINELLAS PARK – Three ordinances that would have authorized the Veritas Preparatory Academy to transform an old Salvation Army building at 8021 60th St. into an education facility were withdrawn.
No reason was given for dropping the project.
Residents at the Feb. 14 City Council welcomed turning the building into a school. A few, however, voiced objection, citing increased traffic, noise and the loss of the city’s share of property taxes because the school would have been tax exempt.
The property consists of 6.8 acres, a gym, sports fields, chapel and classrooms. The school wanted to also build a small addition to the present building and add parking areas. Two playing fields also were proposed.
The property remains as a residential zone.
The council also approved an ordinance that amends Chapter 18 of the Land Development Codes to permit hotel and motel development at a density of 50 units per acre.
Approved also was a $691,378 contract with Clark Hunt Construction Co. of Clearwater for work on the 114th Avenue bridge crossing over Pinebrook Canal. Only 21 of the 352 prospective bidders submitted cost figures, with Clark Hunt coming in with the lowest price.
The council on first reading approved an ordinance on first reading that calls for the rezoning of land at 4190 78th Ave. to an R-6 Multi-Family Residential/
Commercial District. Developers plan to construct a 21-unit single-family attached townhouse subdivision. The applicants are requesting a density of up to 15 units per acre and variances or waivers for the creation of a substandard private right-of-way with sidewalks on both sides, minimum lot frontage on the right-of-way, intersection design and other improvements.
The council also approved annexations for land at 6154 and 6188 110th Ave. and at 8942 68th St.
Jerry Garner, Ethel Mudd and Alan Swartz were appointed to the Pinellas Park Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Garner and Mudd, who recently resigned from the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce, will replace Nancy Loehr and George Race, who resigned.
Swartz will serve as an alternative member of the board. The changes are effective May 1.
