St. Petersburg City Council’s Big Decision: Historic Church’s Future Uncertain

The Euclid Methodist Church, a historic landmark in St. Petersburg, faces uncertainty regarding its future.

News Summary

The St. Petersburg City Council faced a pivotal moment regarding the historic Euclid Methodist Church property at 919 10th Avenue North. In a tied vote, the council rejected an appeal to convert the church into an event venue and a bed & breakfast. Locals have expressed deep concerns about the impact of this transformation on the neighborhood, prompting a divide between preservation efforts and opportunities for progress. As the community weighs the church’s future, the Krasnianskys, the new owners, are left to reconsider their plans amidst growing opposition.

St. Petersburg City Council’s Big Decision: Historic Church’s Future Uncertain

St. Petersburg is buzzing with news regarding the fate of the historic Euclid Methodist Church property located at 919 10th Avenue North. In a close City Council vote of 4-4, the council members rejected an appeal that could have transformed this beloved church into an event venue complete with a cozy bed & breakfast known as The Treehouse.

A Brief History of the Church

The Euclid Methodist Church has been a staple in the St. Petersburg community since its inception and was added to the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places back in 2004. Now, as time marches on, soaring property values and changing neighborhoods have many locals wondering about the future of this cherished landmark.

Plans for Transformation

In 2023, the church found new owners, Noam and Irene Krasniansky, who snagged it for a cool $1.1 million. This purchase was made possible through the sale of their former home in Los Angeles. The couple proposed using the church for a 180-person event venue alongside a small bed & breakfast, aiming to breathe new life into the space while ensuring it still played a role in the community.

Community Concerns Raise Red Flags

However, it wasn’t lost on everyone that such a transformation could bring about significant changes. Nearly 100 concerned residents signed a petition against the plans, voicing worries over potential increases in traffic and noise levels in the neighborhood. Community members took their concerns to heart, fearing that turning the church into an event venue could disrupt the peace they’ve come to enjoy in their residential area.

The Balancing Act of Preservation and Progress

Amidst the controversy, Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders stood out by advocating for historical preservation and entrepreneurial effort. Supporters of the project applauded both the idea of preserving history and creating new opportunities for business.

Parks, Traffic, and Solutions

To tackle parking concerns, the Krasnianskys made commendable efforts by securing letters of intent for over 100 off-site parking spaces from neighboring businesses. They also partnered with a private transit service to provide transport for guests, showing a genuine commitment to addressing the community’s worries.

Voices from the Public

A Grim Future for the Church?

As it stands, the church’s future feels perilous. With ongoing deferred maintenance and an absence of clear prospects, some fear that the property could face condemnation if a viable plan isn’t established soon. Previous attempts by other groups to repurpose the church, such as plans for office and retail space initiated by Paradise Ventures, also fell flat—due to similar community resistance. That withdrawal continues to weigh heavily on the minds of many as they ponder what might come next for this historic site.

What Lies Ahead for the Krasnianskys?

Now, the Krasnianskys are left with the tough choice of evaluating their options following the City Council’s denial of their appeal. The community’s reaction and the church’s uncertain future pose questions that linger: Will new ideas emerge that find common ground between progress and preservation? Only time will tell.

As residents of St. Petersburg remain divided, one thing is for sure: the conversation about the future of the Euclid Methodist Church is just getting started, and everyone is eager to see where it goes from here.