St. Pete Council backs Chick-fil-A expansion despite housing, business displacement concerns

The St. Petersburg City Council has voted to overturn a planning commission s rejection of zoning changes for a Fourth Street North Chick-fil-A, clearing the way for redevelopment that could displace seven households and neighboring small businesses. The Council voted 7-1 to reverse the Community Planning and Preservation Commission’s 4-3 rejection of the proposal in August. Council Member Richie Floyd cast the lone dissenting vote. The decision allows approximately 0.26 acres immediately south of the existing restaurant to transition from residential to commercial zoning, bringing the property in line with surrounding development along the corridor. The proposed redevelopment would add parking, reconfigure the drive-through and eliminate the restaurant s direct access from Fourth Street North. Chick-fil-A’s local operator, David Neely, said the restaurant itself would grow by just 202 square feet. Plans also include new sidewalks, landscaping and buffers separating the property from n