EDGE district fights to keep St. Pete independent

The EDGE district posted a public notice on social media last week to inform the public of a developer seeking approval for a drive-thru restaurant at 913 1st Ave N in St. Pete. It was later confirmed on the same post that the developer was looking to build a Dunkin’ Donuts at the location.

What is the EDGE District?

This area of the city falls into the EDGE district, which is described on their website as “a 501(c)(3) non-profit that plans, promotes, and advocates to sustain an eclectic, vibrant EDGE District community while preserving its unique character.” The EDGE district, as well as the rest of downtown St. Pete has been averse to the interest of chain restaurants and stores to the area, working hard to encourage and promote local businesses. Mayor Kriseman has promoted small business development as one of his main priorities, walking a miles-long stretch of Central Avenue as part of a campaign to promote independent businesses. Just recently, Kriseman was also awarded the Small Business Advocate award by Partner America.

Concern for existing small businesses

While concerns over the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts are extensive, one major point of contention is its chain status. Within just a few block radius, there are a number of local coffee and donut shops that could take a hit if the Dunkin’ Donuts was allowed, including Donut Freak & Genaro Coffee, Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, Brew D Licious, Bandit Coffee, Grassroots, and Banyan Cafe. Other concerns surround the possible traffic issues that this drive-thru concept could cause in an already busy area. Local entrepreneurs and business owners expressed concern over the commercialization of downtown, and the precedent that could be set if the Dunkin’ Donuts plan is allowed to go forward.  

What you can do

Concerned community members are urged to attend the City’s Development Review Commision meeting on March 7th at 2pm at City Hall. If community members wish to make comments but are unable to attend the meeting, they can email Corey.Malyszka@stpete.org. The EDGE district urges that all those proposing to email the city cc them at info@edgedistrict.org.

Original post: Feb. 4th 2018

“PUBLIC NOTICE: The City has received a request to allow a drive-thru restaurant at 913 1st Ave. N. (old Verizon building at corner of MLK and 1st Ave. N.) UPDATE: The City’s Development Review Commission will hear the matter and decide whether to grant the request MARCH 7 at 2 pm at City Hall. If you have an opinion and wish to be heard, this hearing is open to the public and public comment will be allowed.”

Updated post: Feb. 6th, 2018.

“UPDATE: This item has been deferred to the March 7 Development Review Commission meeting. If you wish to submit written comments in lieu of attending, please email Corey.Malyszka@stpete.org, and feel free to cc us at info@edgedistrict.org.”