Dozens of nearby residents came out to voice their opinion during Wednesday’s meeting.
Opponents argued the project would alter the character of the existing low- and mid-rise waterfront community and said the variance request did not meet the legal standard for hardship.
“This is a self-created hardship,” argued registered opponent Kara Brooks.
She stated that when Yazdani purchased the site for $7.75 million in September 2024, he acknowledged the condo building would be “non-conforming” with the zoning.
There were some proponents of the project as well, including Pinellas County Commissioner Renee Flowers, who submitted a letter of support, reading, “The project’s thoughtful design allows for a slimmer main building than an already approved plan for the site. It will improve open spaces, improve drainage, and increase setbacks from the main building, and the views from the similar condominium buildings in the area will not be compromised.”
Commissioners ultimately sided with staff, focusing on the variance criteria and compatibility with the surrounding area.
“As a developer, you should look at what the rules are and apply those rules,” said Commissioner Charles Flynt. “This isn’t going to kill the city if it doesn’t get a variance.”