In a recent government meeting, a proposal for a map amendment concerning a development project near Pasadena Community Church was met with significant community opposition, despite a unanimous recommendation from the Community Planning and Preservation Commission (CPPC) to deny the request. The applicant's representatives argued that the proposed development aligns with the city's comprehensive plan and the character of the surrounding area.

Rachel Markowitz, a professional engineer with Onyx and East, presented the case for the development, emphasizing the importance of quality and community integration in their projects. She highlighted that the site, while technically within the old Pasadena neighborhood association, is buffered by church property and adjacent commercial uses, which diminishes the impact on residential areas.

Markowitz detailed the project’s design, which includes single-family lots and two-story townhomes, strategically placed to minimize disruption to existing homes. She noted that the development aims to address the city's housing crisis by introducing \"missing middle housing,\" a term referring to a range of housing types that cater to various income levels. This approach is seen as essential for increasing the housing supply in St. Petersburg, where high demand has driven prices up significantly.

The proposed project is expected to offer homes at an average price of around $750,000, providing a more affordable option compared to existing properties in the area, which often exceed $1 million. Markowitz argued that similar developments in other neighborhoods have successfully enhanced community character without detracting from it, suggesting that old Pasadena could benefit from similar revitalization.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between development and community preservation, as local residents expressed concerns about the potential impact on their neighborhood. The council is now faced with the challenge of balancing these competing interests as they consider the amendment.