News Summary
Pinellas County officials have denied a proposal to expand the Twin City Mobile Home Park into a 133-unit apartment complex due to comprehensive plan restrictions on density in Coastal Storm Areas. The proposal highlighted ongoing challenges faced by the community, which is struggling with hurricane damage and inadequate housing options. While Lakeshore Management aims to support residents in finding new housing, concerns about flood vulnerability remain significant.
Pinellas County officials have denied a proposal to expand the Twin City Mobile Home Park, a 71-year-old community currently facing significant challenges due to hurricane damage and redevelopment limitations. The proposal aimed to transform the park, located at 10636 Gandy Boulevard near Derby Lane, into a new 133-unit apartment complex following a land use map amendment application by property owner Lakeshore Management.
The primary concern leading to the denial revolves around the county’s comprehensive plan, which restricts increased density in Coastal Storm Areas (CSA) to a maximum of 64 residential units. County Attorney Jewel White underscored that the existing regulations, reinforced by state law, prevented the approval of Lakeshore Management’s redevelopment plan.
Discussions were held among some county commissioners regarding potential loopholes that might facilitate support for the redevelopment project. However, changing the comprehensive plan necessitates approval from various local agencies and the state, making future development options complicated.
The Twin City Mobile Home Park is known for being flood-prone and currently contains 103 mobile homes and three apartments. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Pinellas County identified around 1,400 mobile homes needing comprehensive damage assessments. Approximately 1,100 homeowners were left to navigate solutions while lacking the protections and services available to many others. In particular, many mobile homes in the Twin City community have been labeled uninhabitable for over a year.
As of September 10, 51 residents from Twin City had applied for relocation assistance, with 42 applications successfully approved. Lakeshore Management has provided support to residents in finding new housing options, contributing to the easing of their transition during this tumultuous period.
Representing Lakeshore, zoning consultant Todd Pressman argued that the proposed redevelopment would comply with upgraded flood safety and structural strength requirements. The project would also introduce a new stormwater pond that would potentially enhance the local area’s flood management capabilities.
Despite acknowledging Lakeshore Management’s commitment to assisting residents in relocation, Commissioner Renee Flowers expressed opposition to new construction within flood-prone zones. After a thorough discussion on the relevant property development regulations, the county commissioners unanimously voted against the land-use amendment.
The commission plans to revisit the matter on January 20, indicating a willingness to engage in future dialogues about potential development and the associated regulations in the context of flood vulnerability and hurricane preparedness.
In summary, the denial of Lakeshore Management’s proposal highlights both the current struggles within the Twin City Mobile Home Park and the overarching framework of regulations designed to protect areas at risk of flooding. Residents continue to confront significant challenges as they seek housing solutions and recovery from the impacts of recent hurricanes.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Storm-Damaged Mobile Home Parks Redevelopment Stalls
- Wikipedia: Mobile Home Park
- St. Pete Catalyst: City Opens Trop Site Proposals Amid Another Pitch
- Google Search: Mobile Home Parks
- St. Pete Rising: 74-Unit Affordable Housing Community Planned in Largo
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Mobile Homes
- St. Pete Rising: Four Developers Compete to Build Affordable Townhomes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- St. Pete Catalyst: Former Mobile Home Site to Become Affordable Housing
- Google News: Affordable Housing Florida
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
