Shoppes Will Remain Zoned "Tourist"

On June 18th, the Clearwater City Council gave up its fight to impose the “Commercial” zoning designation on the 3-acre property where the Shoppes on Sand Key are located.

The Shoppes were left without valid zoning when a 20 year agreement ended back in 2006. Owner D.A. Bennett Company, sought Tourist zoning, which would allow it to build a 100-foot-high hotel on the site.

Under pressure by the Save Our Shoppes organization and other Sand Key residents, the council imposed the obsolete Commercial zoning and re-applied it to the Shoppes. Bennett appealed and won, and the city appealed that ruling and lost. The City Councel said they have no options left at this point.

Bennett executives have claimed they have no plans to build a hotel.

Shoppes Zoning To Be Revisited

The owner of the Shoppes at Sand Key has won its appeal against the city of Clearwater for zoning it “commercial” instead “tourist” as requested. In June, the City Council will take up the zoning matter again.

Shoppes at Sand Key Zoning Reversed

On December 1st a panel of 3 Circuit Court Judges overturned the Clearwater City Council's decision to deny Tourist zoning to the Shoppes at Sand Key property.

The ruling came in response to an appeal of the Council's action by the property owner, D. A. Bennett Company. The court ruled that because the property's land use designation was Resort Facilities High, Tourist was the only zoning consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan at the time the application was made.

Clearwater Vice-Mayor George Cretekos daid that the City Attorney and staff are currently reviewing the court order and appeal options available.

Shoppes Saga Continues

A 3 judge panel is deciding whether the Circuit Court should hear the owner’s request to overturn the city’s decision to zone the Shoppes on Sand Key “commercial” or let the ruling stand. After listening to the arguments and asking a few questions, the judges promised to reach a decision “as soon as possible” on whether the court will hear the case.

It's Final - Shoppes Are Zoned Commercial

Sand Key residents have gotten what they've been hoping for. City Council has confirmed its earlier decision to zone the Shoppes on Sand Key “Commercial.” In 1986 the shopping center was zoned“Business”, a designation that is no longer used. The settlement that resulted in that zoning expired last year leaving the parcel without valid zoning.

Property owner, D.A. Bennett Company, the Clearwater had requested “Tourist” zoning, which would have allowed it to build a 100-foot-tall hotel on the site.

But the council on March 20 instead instructed city staffers to set the wheels in motion to zone the property “Commercial,” capping the height of any building at 50 feet. Residents are very protective of the Shoppes, the only shopping center on the island. Although the Bennett Company says it has no plans to redevelop the property, even if “Tourist” zoning is granted, the residents are skeptical.

The council voted 4-1 to zone the property “Commercial.” Councilwoman Carlen Petersen, was the lone dissenter.

Sand Key Shoppes Zoning Decision Delayed

With a 3-3 split vote, the re-zoning decision will wait. It was standing room only at the 5 hour public hearing yesterday where 100 people had to watch the meeting via video from the 2nd floor of city hall because the main event was at capacity. The huge turnout was due the the "Save Our Shoppes" coalition, opposed to any re-development that would lead to the demise of their stores and restaurants, who chartered a bus to get as many residents as possible to the hearing. The current owner claims to have no interest in tearing down the Shoppes, but is seeking to have the zoning changed to "tourist" which could potentially lead to redevlopment, perhaps even a 100+ plus room hotel or condo tower. This can of worms was opened by a potential buyer who's contract has recently expired, but the city wants it settled and kept the hearing on the agenda - maybe they figure it's only a matter of time before there's another suitor. After 5 hours of citizen oposition, the community develpment board cast a vote of 3-3. On March 3rd the deciding vote will be cast by the 7th member who was not in attendance. The recommendation will then be fowarded to city council.