Share and Follow
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Rays have made their stance clear regarding their future trajectory.
“We have faith in the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County,” stated Ken Babby, the CEO of the Rays.
This decision potentially leaves St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant district with an uncertain future.
“Although we’re weary, we’re ready and more determined than ever to advocate for what should happen here,” expressed Franklin Alves, President of the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA).
CONA, which represents the neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, has reportedly been approached by developers showing interest, according to Alves.
“I just got off a call with one now asking how how they can, you know, get their project in front of neighborhoods. And good. I think a lot of people have questions of what’s going to happen this time around,” said Alves.
Nine proposals were submitted to the city to build on the 86 acre site. Thursday, St. Pete City Council will meet to discuss an item entered by councilwoman Brandi Gabbard.
She’s requesting city administration take a ‘plan first framework’ before advancing with any developers. In a three-page memo, Mayor Ken Welch told councilmembers the time to act is now.
“With respect to timing, pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted, risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred,” said Welch.
Welch explained how soliciting those developers was an effort to invite ideas, not lock in outcomes.
“Just 18 months ago, City Council approved the Hines/Rays agreements without the duplicative planning exercise now being suggested…We clearly identified parcels that could proceed quickly into development for affordable housing and a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida. And at the time, City Council supported those terms. Pausing now would once more delay those long-awaited developments, unnecessarily.”
Welch listed the different actions taken to plan for the district in the past.
City Council meeting on Thursday starts at 9 a.m.