ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Developers have a better idea of what they need to do to secure the opportunity to improve the historic gasworks district where Tropicana Field is currently located.
What do you want to know
- The developers have met with St. Petersburg city officials to find out what they need to include in their plans to participate in the development of the city’s historic gasworks district.
- Plans are to set aside 17.3 acres for the Rays’ new stadium
- Developers have until November 18 to submit their plans to the city
“As you go, think deeply, imagine big, reach higher,” said Carl Lavender, chief equity officer for the city of St. Petersburg. “This moment belongs to us, belongs to you, belongs to all of us.”
At a meeting at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, groups of developers listened to what was expected of them when presenting their development plan for the area surrounding the Trop.
“I’m really excited to see what we get on November 18,” said city representative Brian Caper.
For the meeting, Caper and other city officials shared why they think this project is a great opportunity to reinvent space and what developers should do to be chosen.
City officials said their primary goal is fairness and affordability for area residents, while honoring the location’s history and trying to repair promises that have been broken in the past. .
“How well a proponent meets these 23 guiding principles will be a strong indicator of the success of this project,” Caper said.
The city wants to make sure there’s a chance for new jobs while keeping 17.3 acres set aside for a new stadium for the Rays.
“We’re just honored to finally be at this point,” said Kevin Johnson, a former NBA player and mayor of Sacramento who is part of one of the development groups bidding on the project.
According to Johnson, an area like the Gas Plant District means a lot to him.
“I grew up in a neighborhood similar to the historic gasworks district, and there were always promises made and never kept,” he said.
Developers have until November 18 to send their official development plans to the city.