The Oldsmar City Council declined to approve a revised concept plan for the city’s downtown redevelopment project during its meeting Tuesday night, leaving the future of the district undecided.

The city has acquired more than eight acres of land over the past three decades with the goal of developing a walkable downtown area. Developers from the Stanbery Development Group presented a revised plan that removed a proposed parking structure, reduced the number of apartment units, and cut 25,000 square feet of commercial space.

Council members raised concerns about parking, building height, traffic, and the reduction of commercial and community space before voting not to move forward with the plan.

“The city council expressly said that they wanted to maximize the commercial space and that they wanted to maximize the community activation space for an area to serve the local residents,” City Manager Felicia Donnelly said.

Some residents also voiced concerns about the project. Longtime resident Ginger Tatarzewski said she hopes to see more public space and fewer apartments included in future proposals.

City officials said it will be up to the developers to decide whether to submit another revised concept plan. Updates on the redevelopment process will be shared on the city’s website at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/391b6ead18424f989cfc0916b2376df9.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: City of Oldsmar)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news