Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in development
Sunrise Townhomes redevelopment
Eight townhomes in a two-story building are planned for 0.59 acres across from the wastewater treatment plant. The same design was approved in 2024 but expired when permits weren't pulled in time, so it had to start over. The project would add roughly $11,500 a year in property taxes.
Easement Vacation at 1768 Santa Barbara Drive
A leftover 1920s-era utility easement running through a Santa Barbara Drive lot was vacated so the owner can build a home centered on the parcel — no utilities objected.
CRA Master Plan update and downtown capital projects
Economic Development is updating the CRA/downtown master plan with free help from Forward Pinellas before the CRA sunsets in 2033 — covering questions like whether to allow pedal pubs and street vendors downtown.
Business Survey Action Plan and small-town character
Of about 800 businesses surveyed, the top concerns were traffic, affordable housing and losing small-town character. Staff laid out a seven-category action plan, including a business academy, a permitting data dashboard and possible code changes for downtown sidewalk displays during special events.
Live Local preemption on four-acre site near bowling alley
A state affordable-housing law (Live Local) lets a four-acre property near the bowling alley build up to 30 units per acre with extra height and less parking — overriding local zoning for those items. It will be approved administratively with no public hearing, so the LPA and the public won't see it.
Alternate member vacancy on the LPA
The board filled its ranks by recommending Tim Young for a full seat and architect Dan Massaro as a new alternate. An interested applicant, Caitlin Hembry, was turned away for now because she lives in Palm Harbor and her business is in Clearwater.
Main Street Exchange and Douglas Avenue Parking Garage Construction
The developer and Hawkins Construction laid out how 100-foot precast trucks will reach the tight downtown site — mostly no closures, a three-week single-lane closure near the end, and just a two-day full closure timed around festivals. A dedicated website will track it all.
Sale and rezoning of the Jones Building site
The city is selling its old Parks Division building at 1241 San Christopher Drive to a growing local business, with legal covenants banning manufacturing and nuisance uses to protect the 15 homes behind it. First readings passed; the sale would put the property back on the tax rolls.
Downtown parking at Edgewater Drive lot
The 32-space lot across from the marina stays available under a new 3-year lease with owner Deborah Bushnell, who charges the City only her costs. Downtown visitors and marina users keep convenient, economical parking.
Egret on Union affordable housing project
The city is backing a bid for state tax credits to build 88 affordable townhomes on Union Street for essential workers like nurses, teachers, and first responders. If the state award comes through, a development agreement with increased density would come back to the commission.
265 Causeway Blvd mixed-use development
A vacant lot that was a restaurant until 2005 could get 12 townhomes, a retail winery and a 7-room hotel, complementing the nearby Jay Hotel. The project was approved in 2024 but expired when permits weren't pulled in time; it's now headed back to the City Commission.
Filling Board of Adjustment and Appeal vacancies
The BAA had three empty seats — one regular and two alternates — and filled all of them by recommendation. These members decide variance requests, which affect what homeowners and businesses can build or change on their property.
Azul Ave Vacation Homes at 1380 Pinehurst Rd
A 21-unit short-term rental development was approved on the old charter school site. A neighboring property owner raised parking and fence-safety concerns; the developer agreed to revisit the fence height.
Flats on Main Affordable Housing Loan Restructuring
The $610,000 city contribution to the 78-unit Flats on Main affordable housing project became a forgivable loan instead of a grant, avoiding about $250,000 in taxes so the full amount builds housing.
Downtown parking garage and county interlocal amendment
The CRA needs Pinellas County to approve an interlocal agreement amendment allowing about $6.8 million in additional debt to build the downtown parking garage. Staff stressed they're not asking for county money, time, or guarantees — just a co-signature.