In a recent government meeting, the St. Petersburg City Council discussed a significant zoning amendment affecting a 0.58-acre site located at 920 20th Avenue South. The proposed ordinance seeks to change the zoning designation from Neighborhood Traditional One (NT1) to Corridor Residential Traditional One (CRT1), facilitating the redevelopment of the site into multifamily townhomes.

City planner Andrew Jurwitz presented the details of the amendment, noting that the site, which has been vacant since the demolition of two single-family residences in 2018 and 2020, is currently designated for planned redevelopment residential use. The proposed change aligns with surrounding zoning designations and aims to increase the allowable density from 15 dwelling units per acre to 24. This shift would enable the development of up to 14 multifamily units, significantly enhancing the site's housing capacity.

Jurwitz highlighted that the new zoning would also allow for additional density bonuses, potentially increasing the total number of units to 37, depending on the application of workforce housing or missing middle housing incentives. The proposal is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, which emphasizes the need for affordable housing and orderly land use transitions.

The council was informed that the proposed amendments would not adversely impact public services, including water, sewer, and traffic management. The staff recommended approval of the zoning change, emphasizing its alignment with the city’s goals for housing affordability and community development.

As the council deliberates on this proposal, the outcome could significantly influence housing options in the Cromwell Heights neighborhood and contribute to the broader objectives of increasing workforce housing availability in St. Petersburg.