[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6038059,"mediaKeyId","3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c","parentId",3846604,"title","Development Review Commission approves dock variance to allow boat lift at Lot 4 on Ninth Avenue South","audioSeconds",2917,"startMs",13599000,"endMs",16516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c&start=13599&end=16516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c/thumbnail_13599000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6038059/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Development-Review-Commission-approves-dock-variance-to-allow-boat-lift-at-Lot-4-on-Ninth-Avenue-South","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6038059-dabc5620972c670c17a8fcdcbbdeaa78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187366&Signature=HOjdxfTrDaOTqhJtrDVGSlDGDTrDLFPdelp-UgVAus3IudVLOA7xesD~m9YL7pwue0z1JFWgXiGPGtkMqR-dZtkGPFWxgE---6ENOs4V68bq43MQVogW32OLLx5HlquVSx~W-ld1o1MJUQEqyk6R3UA2sveF34AzHKzscO9yUQTpfHPROBLfBI8qMff1SNR7eCdoNtZqhTHLmQzbupZBLi9DUjfvfJL7wqnEvV~KtJU1OX6JnfXxn7FTTk30ERwqpDXD-64y3oSP8qjjeNlYT2S6DbEPo2xfbyB~jqk3krdLq8HrRpAo514xIjvvgkLD2jSEeCTUL75vXwO16ZTPRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Petersburg, FL","date","2025-05-14T18:48:00Z","article","The Development Review Commission voted to approve a dock variance that will allow the installation of a boat lift and associated pilings at Water Lot 4 off Ninth Avenue South after a contested hearing.

Jordan Elmore, planner with Development Review Services, told the commission the applicant had an approved dock permit but sought a variance for side‑setback relief to place pilings and a lift in the narrow water lot. Elmore said staff had recommended denial because the proposal would encroach inside the usual minimum setback for lots that are 20 feet or narrower, and noted an objection letter from a neighbor at Water Lot 8.

Applicant Dan Warren and his surveyor said the proposed pilings fall on the applicant's extended water lot line after a recent survey. Neighbor Justin Matthews testified that he had no objection to the applicant placing pilings on the shared lot line, but raised a dispute about the location of several existing pilings and about a nearby dock that was built in a different configuration than a prior permit showed.

The hearing included survey evidence and a review of multiple plats and field monuments. David Swaggerty, a surveyor, testified that earlier plats and physical markers supported the applicant's interpretation of the water‑lot boundary and the \"witness\" line on the seawall used to reestablish lot corners.

Commission members asked whether county permitting and additional reviews would still be required. Staff confirmed that the dock length and waterway authorization remain subject to Pinellas County review and that city staff stamps dock plans before county processing. Staff also noted that electric service or other infrastructure to support a lift would require further permitting and coordination.

After public testimony and discussion, the Development Review Commission voted to approve the variance \"to allow the installation of a boat lift,\" subject to the conditions listed in the staff report; the roll call on the motion was unanimous. The commission's approval permits the applicant to proceed with the adjusted dock/piling configuration but does not abrogate county permitting or civil claims between riparian owners.

Ending note: Staff reminded the commission that county navigation permitting and, if necessary, additional city approvals (for electric or other infrastructure) remain prerequisites to constructing any lift; neighbors were advised that disputes about existing pilings or encroachments are civil and county enforcement matters.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of St. Petersburg Committee of the Whole Meeting 2025-05-14","oneSentenceSummary","The city Development Review Commission approved a variance allowing installation of a boat lift and associated pilings at a water lot on Ninth Avenue South, after hearing survey disputes and neighbor concerns; the dock permit remains subject to county permitting and staff conditions.","taxTitle","St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",3508,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6038064,"Council members press for firm answer as Safe Harbor ownership change clouds marina deal",2412,9478000,11890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c&start=9478&end=11890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c/thumbnail_9478000.jpg","/articles/6038064/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-members-press-for-firm-answer-as-Safe-Harbor-ownership-change-clouds-marina-deal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6038064-08b5dd765b30e3214bb62e52a2e0eba5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187366&Signature=jTpS-UTbOxFhLMzVMJpalP-pK9bIp8cxikPTbPkcnyxfI9qMTMq~baGZVLvRTedzD-BFG~s2lFksefLJpi4A85Cr6UbV07lX7l2KS0xZDLFzqHaKTlMVvOzmtiTxhKEwdmGv3tGnmt~VgrEflZKs5~e9Lla4Kno0zT~yivmmN0kqq~Qhpds-Bp49lUKREvbYtSyI~-Jxaam1iBPKxfQmApZtHn4YXPGq6cZrTxiNiamVG0vtY6YKAXQ1u9YLm-p11y3G8~HPalnwDyqYIvIIRFZZnCoW~dXzP-x0chTfVkBq52WV2l7V3bUl0rYCSNAgAkdkPdpELMkXiIbNL9WvCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members pressed the administration for a clearer update on plans to redevelop the city marina after the private operator Safe Harbor was taken over by a private equity buyer.

Staff said the city provided a draft agreement to Safe Harbor and was awaiting a \"red line\" from the operator's attorneys; as of the meeting staff said they were told the red line was expected next week. \"We have provided a draft agreement to their attorneys, and we are waiting now a red line,\" a staff speaker told council members.

The agreement's prospects became more politically sensitive after news that Safe Harbor had been acquired by a private equity firm. Council members voiced concern about the buyer's reputation and about the timing of negotiations. \"I have no intention on us spending multimillions of dollars for the city to redevelop the marina,\" Council member Gabbard said, repeating her long‑stated preference for a private developer rather than city capital outlays.

Staff said the FY26 CIP retains a $26 million placeholder for a marina redevelopment in case a private agreement does not close; if the private operator deal moves forward, the city would not use that appropriation. A staff presenter said the $26 million figure is conditional, and the city was preparing contingency plans to self‑perform a redevelopment if negotiations fail.

Council members requested that staff notify the council when the operator returns marked contract language. One staff member said their latest information indicated the operator would provide a red line next week and that the administration would review it and return to council as appropriate. \"As of this morning, the latest update I have is they will have their list of kind of red line version back to us next week,\" the staff speaker said.

Some council members called for a cautious approach if the buyer remains a private equity firm, citing reputational and contract detail concerns. Others urged moving quickly, saying the marina requires capital work and that the city's financial exposure should be minimized.

Ending note: Staff said the city will continue negotiations with the operator and simultaneously maintain a public‑owner contingency. Council members asked for an immediate email update when the operator returns comments on the draft agreement.","Council members pressed administration for a clearer timeline on a marina redevelopment agreement after Safe Harbor’s parent company changed ownership. Staff said a red‑line of a draft deal was expected next week; council members said they want a decision soon and raised concerns about private equity ownership.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6038069,"Saint Petersburg council debates how to pay for accelerated SPAR infrastructure program",3308,3288000,6596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c&start=3288&end=6596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846604-c76455aac70b0bf3114286d9722fee5c/thumbnail_3288000.jpg","/articles/6038069/St-Petersburg/Pinellas-County/Florida/Saint-Petersburg-council-debates-how-to-pay-for-accelerated-SPAR-infrastructure-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6038069-d8833a95710f66e861ed7bfaf04de6d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187366&Signature=MXX0lUlgBV-5ahbvWuzwox-zdqsn9A4h5JRrI7nxm03z9eHpWOjfF6n0~8hdla3mzPjVjs9nYaLcoM3j58UzOgv8diJLigGYjrAceIL~zZoe2wGI~vy~cOEePo3YAzCtnIoki7VbQ-If0sVu9qisMtcQizkz45FrgPBM6lJcCJxVxaGyaIECg~~wPqdc3xO-r2jOe~Rex0iymmpIaxAzWJP8B7OczTseZH0F1-zfERPikZuUGjGA-6Zo3Sl63gu3vx0P~TPIVY-nT9BG6MvusK~WHlKqt8NzV0kiMx~2gCf3GWMNY1tPD76FlctKrkfIEIwEPVvv3SQ~2Bbe6qItjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council member Floyd pressed city staff on whether recent reductions in penny funding and other shifts would change how quickly the city can complete stormwater and water-resources projects.

The SPAR (Saint Pete Agile Resilience) plan would accelerate long‑planned water, wastewater and stormwater projects into a shorter window. \"I just like to continue to have the conversation around how, the change in sort of a... policy is affecting things,\" Council member Floyd said during the Committee of the Whole budget review.

Staff described two near‑term tools: aligning more cash in the utility rate setting process and examining a general obligation bond that would go to voters. A finance staffer described the city's fiscal policy goal of a roughly 50/50 split of debt to cash for capital programs and said that a general obligation bond would require a referendum and, if approved, typically would not generate net revenue for budgeting until the levy appears on the roll (the administration estimated potential revenue collection beginning in the 2028 budget if a 2026 referendum passed).

City staff emphasized that accelerating SPAR work strictly through utility rates alone would place \"a significant increase\" on rates for FY 2026, particularly for stormwater, and that staff were developing a blended approach that could include borrowing, rate adjustments and grant funding. \"For rates to handle SPAR alone is not practical,\" said a city staff presenter during the discussion.

Several council members said they want the conversation moved forward now rather than later. \"There is a reality around that: how do we fund that. And the residents are looking at us to make those tough decisions,\" Council member Gavin said, urging an earlier briefing on a bond approach than staff had suggested.

Vice Chair Hanlon and others cautioned that residents face rising living costs and that voter approval for a GO bond is not guaranteed. Hanlon said voters ultimately decide whether they want to increase ad valorem tax levies to pay for major infrastructure programs.

Council members and staff also discussed program delivery questions: the FY26 budget includes start‑up funding for SPAR program management and staff said the plan relies on hiring consultant program managers and staff augmentation to deliver the volume of projects rather than adding permanent city positions. \"When we're talking about having program managers and outsourcing some of this stuff... we anticipate that this accelerated program... is not going to be a permanent program,\" a staff presenter said.

Council members requested follow‑up briefings that would: (1) show the detailed rate impacts on utility customers, (2) lay out a timeline and options for a potential general obligation bond and what borrowing prior to levy receipts would look like, and (3) present the operating‑budget implications of accelerating capital work (maintenance, staffing and ongoing operating costs tied to the projects).

Staff said the SPAR funds in the CIP are temporary placeholders, that SPAR projects will be budgeted in FY26 in the related utility capital funds and that later years in the proposed 5‑year plan show hundreds of millions of dollars in proposed water and stormwater SPAR projects (staff cited roughly $343 million in water resources SPAR projects and about $258 million in stormwater SPAR projects for FY27–30 in the workbook). City council members asked staff to return with a summer workplan that includes a bond‑feasibility discussion and clearer grant and rate scenarios.

Ending note: Council members agreed to more detailed, project‑level briefings and asked staff to provide district‑oriented project descriptions and GIS project fact sheets so council members can answer residents' questions about timing, funding and neighborhood impacts.","Council members and staff debated how to fund an accelerated Saint Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR) program that would move decades of water and stormwater projects into a shorter time frame, weighing rate impacts, general obligation bond options and grant opportunities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Development Review Commission approves dock variance to allow boat lift at Lot 4 on Ninth Avenue South

Council members press for firm answer as Safe Harbor ownership change clouds marina deal

Saint Petersburg council debates how to pay for accelerated SPAR infrastructure program