Developer Gains Approval for Increased Residential Density at Gandy Boulevard Project

The St. Petersburg City Council granted approval to a revised development agreement with developer Key International that will allow the developer to increase the number of residential units. The agreement will allow for 470 residential units, an increase from 376. The council cited a Florida state law, passed in 2021, that allows for increased density based on meeting certain graywater reuse criteria. The term graywater refers to domestic sewage that is not blackwater, including waste from baths and showers, laundry, and sinks, except kitchen sink waste. When graywater systems are installed, household graywater is used for irrigation, or other uses, instead of going directly into the sewer system.  The state law allows for a 25% increase in density when graywater systems are installed in 75% of the units. For developments with more than 25 units, if 100% have graywater systems, the number of units can increase by 35%. The timing of the initial approvals did not allow the developer to take advantage of the statute. In addition to the 470 residential units, which will be a combination of a multi-family  rental townhomes, the development will include a restaurant and new Marina. The townhomes will circle a three-acre lake.  The development, which would feature 3,000 linear feet of waterfront footage, is separated into two parcels, a southern parcel and northern parcel.  The southern parcel would contain residential units and wet slips for residents.  The residential units will offer two-story townhomes and units in five-story multi-family buildings.  The northern parcel would feature residential units contained in two five-story buildings, an 8,000 square foot restaurant, a 37,800 square foot high and dry public marina building with 200 dry slips, and 45 wet slips for public use.  Community amenities will include a clubhouse, pool, playground, recreational field, public boardwalk and kayak launch.  The construction timeline has not been announced.