ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The future of the Science Center in St. Petersburg could become a big topic next week. There was a sale in place for the site, but those involved in the deal said the city cancelled the sale because they may need the area for stormwater tanks in the future.

The Science Center sits behind gates on 22nd Avenue North, waiting to learn its fate.

“The Science Center is integral to creating good and great humans in the City of St. Pete,” said John Hoke, the Jungle Terrace Civic Association President.

Hoke said there is a lot of potential for the site. St. Pete for STEAM has fought for several years to get it reopened.

The director, Joe Hamilton, said they reached a deal with the city two years ago to buy the land for $1.6 million. But Hamilton said the city cancelled the deal because they may need to put water tanks there in the future.

“You don’t kill the $20 million project that is a gift to the city because you don’t want to move a brush site,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton sent 8 On Your Side a copy of a feasibility report requested by the city. In the report, it said the goal was to enhance the resiliency of the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility by adding water storage to support post-storm recovery efforts.

Of the nine locations they looked at, the Science Center was the second most favorable option. But the conclusion found the center is a leading candidate because of the direct tie-in opportunities and future expansion.

Hamilton argues they can use the brush site directly behind the center, which was also listed in the report.

“The question is what’s more important, moving a pile of palm fronds so you could build the tanks there and have the Science Center? Or not moving the pile of palm fronds and tearing down the Science Center so you can build the tanks there?” Hamilton asked.

Hoke said he and his neighbors are asking the same questions of the city.

He’s been encouraging neighbors to write letters and send emails to city leaders.

“It’s been a blight on my neighborhood. You know, driving by it, it’s almost depressing driving by and seeing nothing and what could be potentially in the future,” Hoke said.

In 2020, 8 On Your Side reported how the city then was going to need a portion of the site to accommodate wastewater needs. And that the city bought the property in 2019 with the intent of water treatment and affordable housing.

The council is slated to discuss the Science Center during a meeting Thursday.