Some neighbors say they had no idea a nearby place of worship was cleared to expand until after the Pinellas County Commission approved it. They want the decision reconsidered.

The commission gave final approval for a land use change on Keystone Road in mid-October. Residents say they did not realize an expansion was under consideration. They also question how the project was described throughout.

Neighbors object most to meeting materials that labeled the property a “community assembly facility.” Gary Posch said it was presented as a community center. He wants commissioners to “re-examine this and do it in a fair and equitable way.”

The county says “community assembly facility” is simply the term in its code. County staff says they met every legal notification requirement. The process included multiple board votes, notices mailed to 16 properties within 300 feet, posted signs, and a newspaper notice.

Not all neighbors are opposed. Julie Washburn said the organization has been a good neighbor for years. She said the group has been kind and accommodating whenever residents raised concerns.

The county says the appeal window is still open. The commission’s decision is final unless someone appeals to the commissioners.

The dispute raises a familiar question for local governments. When notice satisfies the letter of the law, but residents still say they were blindsided, the process may have been legal but unclear.

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