In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding a proposed development project in St. Augustine that has faced significant criticism for its scale and design. Members of the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) expressed frustration over the applicant's repeated submissions, which they argue fail to address previous feedback provided over the past two years.

HARB member Barbara highlighted that the applicant's latest proposal is essentially a reiteration of earlier plans, with only minor modifications. She emphasized that the project continues to present a massive three-story structure that is out of context with the surrounding historic area, known as HP2. The height of the buildings has reportedly increased to 42 feet in some sections, which remains a point of contention.

The board has previously requested a comprehensive redesign that respects the unique character and pedestrian scale of Charlotte Street, but the applicant has not met these expectations. Barbara urged the team to return to the drawing board and develop a design that reduces the height and mass of the project, avoiding what she described as a \"Disneyfied\" approach to historic architecture.

Public comments echoed these sentiments, with community members expressing concerns about the intensity of the proposed development and its potential impact on the character of downtown St. Augustine. Vijay Kaleidi, a local resident, criticized the project for being overly ambitious and disconnected from the city's identity, asserting that St. Augustine should not aspire to emulate larger urban centers like New York City or Miami.

In response to public concerns, the applicant noted that the property is already zoned as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and emphasized their intention to address feedback from HARB regarding the design's massing and scale. However, the board's members remain steadfast in their demand for a more thoughtful and contextually appropriate design that honors the city's historic legacy.

As discussions continue, the board is expected to maintain pressure on the applicant to ensure that future proposals align with the community's vision for preserving St. Augustine's unique historical character.