ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's a prime piece of property in St. Petersburg a 10,000 sq. ft. empty lot developers want to transform into a large apartment complex.
"It might work in the middle of downtown but this is a great historic neighborhood it doesn’t work here,” said Peter Belmont, the Vice President of Preserve the ‘Berg.
Plans for the Bezu were originally thrown out by the St. Pete City Council after neighbors voiced their concerns even though it met requirements. Originally, developers were asking to build a 23 story, 29 unit apartment high rise.
"I think the problem with this project is it’s too big on the small lot,” said Charlotte Petersen, who lives next door.
The developers appealed the city councils decision and came back to the Development review commission with a slightly smaller building plan — 19 stories and 20 units.
Petersen says they are OK with development and know it's inevitable, but they say it has to make sense with the current architecture.
“It’s up to our city to make sure that St. Petersburg this day special and enforces are regulations that’s a new development needs to fit in with its surroundings,” said Belmont.
The decision by the Development review commission Wednesday is final but neighbors and the developers can take their appeal to a judge.
