The city of St. Petersburg has released a timeline for choosing a developer for the Historic Gas Plant District, the 86-acre site that includes Tropicana Field, with Mayor Ken Welch aiming to begin contract negotiations in July.

The timeline, which runs from April through July, follows the City Council’s request to establish a planning framework for the site before selecting a developer. A term sheet and contract resulting from those negotiations would ultimately require council approval.

The city received nine proposals by a February 3 deadline to redevelop all or part of the Gas Plant site. Three top city officials evaluated eight of them after one was withdrawn, recommending four for shortlisting and giving high marks to pitches from Blake Investment Partners and Ark Ellison Horus. Welch will decide which proposals make the shortlist.

This month, city staff will begin working with the Urban Land Institute on development planning, which includes reviewing previous studies and gathering community input. The city also plans to host a public meeting at the Coliseum, where residents can meet with shortlisted developers and ask questions, followed by a 30-day public comment period.

In May, city staff will assess the strengths and weaknesses of each shortlisted proposal. The Community Benefits Advisory Council — a panel that evaluates city-subsidized projects for public benefit — will also begin identifying community members specifically for the Gas Plant project. Welch is expected to select one or more proposals in June.

The Community Benefits Advisory Council will hold two meetings in July, one open to public comment and another limited to a panel discussion. With that input, Welch and city staff will move into contract negotiations.

The redevelopment process is unfolding against a politically charged backdrop. Welch faces at least five challengers in the August primary, including council member Brandi Gabbard, who led the 6-2 council vote to pause developer selection until planning priorities for the site were established. Four council seats are also on the ballot, with a potential runoff in November if no mayoral candidate secures a majority.

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