Developer uses new state law to increase residential density in Gandy Blvd mixed-use development
/St. Pete City Council approved a revised development agreement for a proposed mixed-use waterfront project on Gandy Boulevard that increases the number of residential units in the project.
In late 2021, developer Key Gandy LLC, a subsidiary of Miami-based Key International, announced a mixed-use proposal with 376 residences on a 39-acre parcel at 12000 Gandy Boulevard North, near the intersection with Snug Harbor Road. The development was approved earlier this year.
The project also includes a waterfront restaurant and marina with both wet and dry slips, some of which will be available to the public.
The project features multifamily units as well as townhome units. renderings reflect the project prior to the recent density increase.
However, on Thursday, St. Pete City Council approved an amendment to the development agreement which increase the density of the project to 470 residential units, citing allowances provided by a 2021 law, passed by the Florida Legislature, known as the Graywater Statute.
The law provides for density bonuses within developments that meet certain criteria regarding graywater reuse technologies.
“Graywater” is a term that refers to domestic sewage that is not blackwater, including waste from baths and showers, laundry, and sinks, except kitchen sink waste. When graywater systems are installed, household graywater is used for irrigation, or other uses, instead of going directly into the sewer system.
THE CURRENTLY VACANT, 39-ACRE PROPERTY IS SOUTH OF GANDY BLVD AND EAST OF SAN FERNANDO BLVD NE.
The statute allows for a 25% density bonus when graywater systems are installed for 75% of units within a development. In the case of developments that have at least 25 residential units, if 100% have graywater reuse systems, density can be increased by 35%.
By using the statue, Key Gandy LLC is able to build 94 more dwelling units on the site.
The developer says the timing of the project’s initial approvals prevented it from incorporating Graywater Statute provisions and bonuses into its original development agreement and first amendment, which reduced the amount of retail and restaurant space and increased square footage for the marina and boat storage.
“We understand that this is likely the first time the City of St. Petersburg is implementing the Graywater Statute,” writes Key Gandy LLC attorney S. Elise Batel, of Tampa law firm Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler, in the amendment.
The project has two distinct sections: a northern parcel known as Gandy Center and Pirates Cove, and a southern parcel dubbed Riviera. Both have residential buildings.
According to Key Gandy’s revised development agreement, the Gandy Center/Pirates Cove residential density would increase from 120 to 150 units, while the Riviera building would go from 256 to 320 units.
The project features a waterfront restaurant along with boat slips and residential units. renderings reflect the project prior to the recent density increase.
The non-residential uses, the marina and waterfront restaurant, remain unchanged in the revised proposal.
Among the residential amenities are a pool, clubhouse, volleyball court, playground, and recreational field. The project also includes a public boardwalk with a kayak launch.
The property in St. Petersburg, FL sits in the Coastal High Hazard Area and is required to provide a hurricane evacuation and re-entry plan as well as enhanced building design standards.
A construction timeline for the project has not been announced.
