Commission denies proposed St. Andrews Bayview development agreement after heavy resident opposition

The Panama City Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to deny a proposed development agreement covering eight parcels in the block west of Beck Avenue and east of Bayview Avenue in St. Andrews, following hours of public comment from residents who said the plan would allow buildings out of scale with the neighborhood.

Supporters of preserving St. Andrews’ low-rise, historic character filled the commission chamber and urged commissioners to reject the agreement, saying it would allow building heights that “would overshadow” the waterfront village. Speakers described long ties to the area, circulated a petition and warned that taller buildings would create parking, traffic and environmental pressures.

The proposed agreement, submitted by the James McVey revocable trust and represented by attorney Kevin Obos of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC, would have preserved a higher height limit for the block for 10 years and allowed up to 100 feet plus 25 feet for roof/mechanical in some locations while restricting portions within 100 feet of Beck Avenue to four stories. The developer told the commission the current filing was not a specific high-rise proposal and asked to table the matter while negotiations continued; residents and several commissioners instead pressed for a clear local plan.

Residents and business owners spoke at length. Robert Brittson and Robert Livingston told commissioners a taller structure would “throw shade” across historic properties and alter the community’s character. Longtime St. Andrews residents including Bob Lill and Scott Clements said the neighborhood’s working-waterfront and fishing-village identity is unique and should be protected. Several speakers referenced a neighborhood plan and the Dover, Kohl & Partners maps that the commission is preparing to adopt.

Commission discussion focused on process as well as substance. Commissioners said they were sympathetic to both property rights and neighborhood preservation but that the pending agreement had not satisfied residents’ concerns about scale and community input. After debate, a motion to deny the proposed agreement passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Street — yes; Commissioner Halligas — yes; Commissioner Lucas — yes; Commissioner Granger — yes; Mayor Rowan — yes.

The denial leaves the property under existing zoning while the commission moves ahead with adoption of updated neighborhood zoning maps at a later meeting. Several commissioners said they remain open to a revised proposal that would be developed through broader community engagement and returned to the commission later.

The commission’s action closes the current proposal; the developer and property owners may return with a different agreement or pursue other zoning or development steps that comply with city rules and any future neighborhood plan changes.

Residents who addressed the commission said they will press the city to adopt the neighborhood plan and formal height limits for St. Andrews at the upcoming meeting where that zoning package is scheduled for consideration.

Commissioners and staff declined to announce any further action on the eight parcels at Tuesday’s meeting beyond the denial; the applicant and city staff signaled they could continue discussions outside of the public hearing record.