Preserve the Burg Executive Director Manny Leto and Advocacy Co-Chair Bill Hermann, joined by others, also highlighted how the site is located within the Downtown St. Petersburg National Register Historic District, bounded by 5th Avenue North, Beach Drive, Central Avenue, and 9th Street North.
However, those buildings are not individually designated as historic landmarks, meaning they are not protected from demolition under current regulations.
Representing the developer, Trenam Law land use attorney Don Mastry countered that the project complies with all applicable city codes, including those governing height, density, and compatibility.
“The worst thing a city can do is have laws and not follow it,” said Mastry. “The opponents want the buildings to receive the same [local landmark status] protection without going through the designation process.”
He emphasized that multiple city departments and review bodies had already determined the project met the city’s requirements.
Several members of City Council voiced discomfort with the scale of the project and its potential impact on existing residents.