Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Parkplace amendment allowing five-story hotel and drive-through bank after resident objections
Summary
The Pinellas Park City Council approved a PUD amendment to allow a five-story, 120-room hotel, two new retail buildings and a drive-through bank at the Shops at Parkplace, despite objections from nearby town-home residents who cited traffic, safety and neighborhood impacts. Mayor Bradberry abstained on related votes.
A majority of the Pinellas Park City Council voted April 21 to amend the Shops at Parkplace commercial plan unit development to allow a five-story, 120-room hotel, two new retail buildings and a roughly 3,000‑square‑foot drive-through bank on a 66.602‑acre site at 7200 U.S. Highway 19 North.
Todd Byron, the city's senior planner, summarized the proposal and staff findings, saying the project would demolish the former Applebee's site to construct the bank, add about 28,000 square feet of retail and subdivide the parcel to create a new hotel outparcel. Byron said the amendment is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and that Planning & Zoning recommended approval subject to a traffic study and improved pedestrian connections between the hotel and retail areas.
Residents living adjacent to the mall delivered multiple objections during the public hearing. Maria Van Kirk, speaking for the town‑home HOA, said the neighborhood intentionally avoided major transient uses and asked how a new hotel would benefit residents, noting there are already multiple hotels nearby. Another resident, Andrea Rippy, said a five‑story building would be an "eyesore" and said the council should require more robust traffic and safety studies before permitting the height and new access. Tony Jackson asked about hotel amenities and hours, saying neighbors chose the area for its relative quiet.
The applicant said the hotel is intended to serve regional demand tied in part to the nearby Sprouse Horizon sports park and presented data projecting large weekend attendance for tournaments. An applicant representative said the hotel would be a limited‑service property with a small breakfast and pool, not a full‑service restaurant, and that required parking will be provided under code.
Vice Mayor Butler moved to pass Ordinance No. 2026‑13 on second and final reading. The motion carried three to zero with Mayor Sandra Lee Bradberry recorded as abstaining.
The council also approved the companion conditional use to allow a financial institution with a drive‑through in the same general commercial zoning district. Staff and the applicant agreed to add or restripe pedestrian walkways across parking areas to improve walkability and mitigate life‑safety concerns.
Next steps: the applicant must deliver the traffic study requested by Planning & Zoning and complete any required platting and building permits before construction can proceed.
