ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On Wednesday evening, developers shared more about the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment plans in St. Petersburg and how they'll benefit the community.
While a new MLB stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays is a big bullet point on what this project includes, $50 million will also be spent on community benefits.
The project will include affordable housing, open public spaces, acres of greenery, parking and shopping options.
"We all recognize the enormous responsibility that comes with having been selected by the mayor and through the RFP project to do what's right with the land," said Brian Auld, president of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Developers went through what all this project will do, including affordable and workforce housing, honoring the history of the district, creating a walkable community, promoting sustainability and offering more than a dozen acres worth of public parks and open space.
A major theme in all presentations given was following through on broken promises made decades ago in South St. Pete. The majority of public comment said this plan doesn’t do enough — some calling it a clear display of corporate greed.
"It's a bad proposal," one public commenter said.
Person after person took three minutes of speaking time to share how they thought the development plan fell short.
"I would love to see the city work harder on real affordability," one speaker who said she grew up in a home that is now a Rays parking lot. "Nowadays when you say affordable, affordable for who?"
"That $50 million in community benefits amounts to about .04% of the value of this deal," another commenter said, highlighting the small portion of the total costs going towards the community.
"We don't have enough people in Pinellas to support the Rays to ever have more attendance than we do now," a speaker said, stating a new stadium won't be enough to get fans to fill seats for baseball games.
The development project will increase housing in the area by 60 percent.
One-fifth of that new housing is planned to be affordable housing units.
There were a few speakers who shared their support for the project moving forward as planned.
"If we lose this deal because we're looking for another deal, I'm not sure when or how or what that would look like," Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, said.
Wednesday's meeting is the first of a series of public comment sessions. Developers say changes can be made based on the public feedback given.
"We'll go back and talk with the city about the overall plan," Lane Gardner, the senior managing director for Hines, said. "We'll continue to refine things as we go forward. Our focus on placemaking will take precedence over everything."
If you missed this meeting, there are still more chances to make your voice heard.
In January, additional CBAC meetings will be held on Tuesdays to allow for additional public comment. Meeting dates are scheduled for Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Residents can submit feedback to the CBAC through an online form from Dec. 14-31. The form can be found here.