This browser does not support the Video element.
Trop redevelopment plans to start from scratch
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch threw a curveball when he announced the city will restart the process for Tropicana Field's redevelopment and will cancel the current RFP process. Rather than choosing between two developers, the process will start over.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - After announcing plans to scrap the current redevelopment proposals for Tropicana Field, city officials announced a series of community forums to get the public's input on what could be next for the area.
There are a total of three sessions, each will open with remarks from Mayor Ken Welch. Those interested must RSVP through the city's website. The link can be found by clicking here.
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Center for Health Equity at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete
2333 34th St S
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
St. Petersburg College - Gibbs Campus
6605 5th Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Thursday, July 28, 2022
USF St. Pete
USC Ballrooms
200 6th Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Each session will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
City officials said there will be "expert-led conversations" to discuss equitable economic opportunities, affordable and workplace housing, economic impact, jobs, sustainability, equity, and community impact.
PREVIOUS: St. Pete mayor announces city will nix Trop redevelopment proposals – and start over
One week ago, Mayor Welch said the reason for nixing the final two proposals on redevelopment ideas was because they were first submitted two years ago – and a lot has changed since then. The new request for proposal process is expected to begin next month.
"Our environment has changed in many ways since the initial RFP was issued in 2020. We have to make sure our RFP meets are current values," he said. "The pandemic has changed the way we work and affected the way we need office space."
MORE: Proposed Ybor City site may no longer work for Tampa Bay Rays stadium: report
It's still unclear whether the Tampa Bay Rays will remain in the city when their lease is up at Tropicana Field in 2027, or how involved they will be in the new redevelopment process.
"We feel that the community needs to be able to weigh in once again. July of 2020 was mid-pandemic," Mayor Welch said last week. "The Rays stadium question has to be answered. The relationship with the Rays has to be built."