Residents Ready for Briarwood Redevelopment Vote

Residents of Briarwood Travel Villa will line the steps of City Hall to protest a possible agreement that would allow for the development of 260-unit apartment complex at the park.

For months, residents have expressed concerns regarding changing the use of the land to allow for high residential development, which allows denser use. Currently the property has about 138 units and is used as a recreational vehicle park.

Residents, represented by Gulfcoast Legal Services, plan to oppose the plans and will meet before city leaders vote on the development agreement at their meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.

Christine L. Allamanno, an attorney with nonprofit law firm, posted a blog about the meeting between residents and city leaders on Largo Patch:

We would like to introduce the Briarwood residents to the community this Tuesday, May 7, at 4pm at a press conference at Largo City Hall immediately preceding the City Commissions public hearing on whether to accept the development agreement at 6pm.  Please join us as we attempt to save this vintage piece of old Florida, as well as homes for low income people == and in the meantime, drive through the park.  Are we really sure we want to lose this landmark to just another set of apartments?

The vote on entering into the development agreement was moved because a few commissioners were not present at the April 16 meeting.

A development agreement would allow officials to sign off on the building height, density and would include a concept plan showing the complex’s general design.

Property's owners began exploring the option of turning the 13.8-acre RV park into an apartment complex back in September.

After receiving approval from the commission on first reading on November 7, neighbors of the property, located at 2098 Seminole Blvd., expressed concerns about the potential development.

The Pinellas Planning Council also asked for a development agreement to ensure that it can also have oversight of the development.

The complex would have at least 390 parking spaces and a bicycle rack for each building. Rent would be market-rate based.

If you go:

What: Largo City Commission

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

Where: City Hall, 201 Highland Ave

Related coverage:

 

• Blog: The Briarwood Dilemma in Largo
• Apartment Complex Considered for Briarwood RV Park
• Neighbors Raise Concerns About Proposed Apartments at Briarwood RV Park
• Largo May Consider Development Agreement for Proposed Apartments at Briarwood RV Park

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