ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg City Council members are preparing for a final vote on moving forward with a state-of-the-art Tampa Bay Rays stadium and redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District.
That final vote is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, the city said in a news release. At least five of eight council members will need to vote "yes" on the broader $6.5 billion project — including a $1.3 billion stadium — for the project to proceed before being considered by the Pinellas County Commission.
Just days prior, the St. Petersburg City Council will host a Committee of the Whole meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, to continue discussions on the stadium and development agreements, the city said in the release. Residents can view that discussion online here.
Mayor Ken Welch, a supporter of the redevelopment, says the plan focuses heavily on "the equitable, intentional, and restorative delivery of community benefits and economic impacts, specifically to honor the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant neighborhood’s residents and businesses."
"Nearly 40 years ago, members of the Historic Gas Plant community were displaced by the ultimately successful pursuit of Major League Baseball and the eventual construction of what is now Tropicana Field," the mayor stated on his website.
Welch stated that while the move brought the Tampa Bay Rays to St. Petersburg, residents and businesses were forced to relocate with the promise of new opportunities and development, "which did not materialize."
Last month, the council voted 5-3 in favor of the redevelopment in a preliminary vote with members Richie Floyd, Lisset Hanewicz and John Muhammad voting against it.
Council members opposed to the plan have voiced concerns over the speed of the process, despite drafted versions of certain agreements existing instead of finalized documents, 10 Tampa Bay previously reported.
Supporters of the plan argue the redevelopment will be a major economic driver for the region, bringing in tens of thousands of jobs during construction and when it's done.
Councilmember Richie Floyd has expressed concerns that a baseball stadium isn't necessary to redevelop the Gas Plant District, especially when considering the public cost.
As far as costs are concerned, more than $6 billion would be spent over 20 years, according to officials. The stadium’s price tag of $1.3 billion includes $287 million from the city that, with interest over the length of the deal, could add up to nearly $500 million. Pinellas County would be on the hook for about $300 million, paid for through the local bed tax.
