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.