Board conditionally approves mausoleum addition at Memorial Park Cemetery

The Pinellas County Board of Adjustment voted to conditionally approve a modification to an existing Type 2 use to allow a new mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery during its meeting. Staff presented the case, TY2-25-12, as an addition to the cemetery property at 5750 49th Street North in Wellman and recommended conditional approval.

Staff said the proposal would add a mausoleum within an existing cluster of mausoleum structures along 58th Avenue North on the Memorial Park site, which staff described as approximately 35 acres (part of a larger, roughly 104-acre cemetery complex). The staff presentation said the addition would accommodate about 360 crypts, would use existing on-site drainage and parking, and would include landscaping on the 58th Avenue North frontage. Staff also noted the site meets the code requirement that crypts be at least 50 feet from adjacent parcels.

An applicant representative identified himself in the hearing record as Alejandero Ramirez and confirmed the proposal matched staff materials, describing it as "a small addition to a large lot." A second representative, Jesus Perea, gave an office address in Miami. The applicant also said, "This is exactly what we're doing," when describing the plans.

A board member moved to adopt the staff recommendation for conditional approval “in accordance with the findings of fact as outlined in the staff report.” A second was given and the chair called for the vote; the chair announced the motion carries. The transcript records an "aye" but does not record individual votes or a numerical tally.

The conditional approval is subject to the usual follow-ups: appropriate site-plan review and the applicant obtaining required permits and fees. The board did not discuss any additional conditions on the record beyond those referenced in staff findings.

Noted inconsistency: the staff presentation described the addition as a 1,079-square-foot mausoleum, while a later line in the transcript refers to "approximately a 79 square feet in size." The record contains these conflicting figures; the precise floor area should be confirmed in the official site plans and staff file.

The board closed the public hearing on the item and moved on to the remaining business. The meeting record does not show a roll-call vote or individual member votes for this motion.

The board also approved the Jan. 7 minutes later in the meeting and adjourned. The board indicated it will meet next month, pending items on the Development Review Committee calendar.