Controversial 60-unit residential development approved for church property in west St. Pete
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After a four-hour discussion about a new residential development proposed for the quiet Old Pasadena neighborhood in west St. Pete, St. Petersburg City Council voted to approve the contentious project.
During a Thursday meeting, the council members cast a 5-2 vote, approving the Pasadena Community Church's appeal of a prior denial to rezone the property at 6942 1st Avenue South. The rezoning will allow Indianapolis-based developer Onyx+East to build a 60-unit residential development containing 40 townhomes and 20 single-family homes on the site.
Councilmembers Copley Gerdes and Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz cast the opposing votes. Councilmember John Muhammad was absent.
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More than six years after the Wagon Wheel Flea Market closed its doors, plans are taking shape to redevelop the sprawling property that was once home to one of Pinellas County's most popular weekend shopping destinations.
Pinellas Park-based Belleair Development Group is under contract to purchase approximately 156 acres at 7801 Park Boulevard North, where the Wagon Wheel and Mustang flea markets operated for more than five decades before closing in 2020.
Christian Yepes, owner of Belleair Development Group alongside his father, Carlos Yepes, confirmed the company is exploring options for a mixed-use development that could bring residential and commercial uses to the largely vacant property.
“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to develop such a landmark in Pinellas County. We are currently in the midst of due diligence and are exploring mixed-use development options at the site,” Yepes said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.
The property is currently owned by the family of Hardy Huntley, who founded the Wagon Wheel Flea Market with his wife, Janet, in the 1960s.