Commission approves first readings to reclassify city-owned Jones Building with restrictive covenants

The commission held first readings on a city-initiated land-use plan amendment (ordinance 26-06) and rezoning (ordinance 26-07) to change a 1.17-acre city-owned property commonly called the Jones Building at 1241 Saint Christopher Drive from public/semi-public to retail and services (R&S) and to the form-based medium (FXM) zoning district.

George Kenny of Community Development explained the lot is a flag-shaped parcel that extends behind about 15 residences and that staff proposed a recorded declaration of restrictive covenants to protect adjacent homeowners. Kenny said the covenant—Exhibit F in the staff report—limits permitted uses to specified types (service industry and maintenance, single-family, duplex, multifamily, group homes, religious and educational facilities), requires repair of a concrete wall along the west property line and wood fences, and would be recorded and run with the land.

Economic development staff said the city has engaged a prospective local buyer (a small-business owner) who plans limited office and storage uses rather than manufacturing. The commission discussed compatibility (R-60 homes behind the parcel), building height limits under FXM (maximum 27 feet), and whether the covenant can be changed; city staff said covenants "run with the property" and are recorded in the chain of title. The commission approved the first readings and directed staff to transmit the Tier 2 amendment to Pinellas County for review; second reading was scheduled for a future meeting.