St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch says the city is moving into a new phase of redevelopment for the Historic Gas Plant District following the selection of development proposals for the long-vacant site, emphasizing affordable housing, economic opportunity and honoring commitments made to the former neighborhood.
Speaking during a recent edition of WFLA’s Rooted in Progress, Welch discussed the city’s decision to move forward with two development proposals announced earlier this month. The selections include The Burg Bid team for redevelopment of the main site and the Pinellas County Housing Authority for a separate affordable senior housing project.
According to the city, The Burg Bid proposal includes plans for more than 3,600 affordable and workforce housing units, public infrastructure improvements, a large public park, cultural attractions, workforce training opportunities and space for small businesses. The Pinellas County Housing Authority proposal calls for an affordable senior housing development on a separate city-owned parcel, with preference given to former residents of the Historic Gas Plant District.
Welch said the redevelopment process has been guided by community input and is intended to address long-standing promises made when the predominantly Black neighborhood was displaced decades ago to make way for development that ultimately included Tropicana Field. He said the city’s priorities remain jobs, housing, economic opportunity and honoring those historical commitments.
The mayor noted that the project represents a new direction following the collapse of the previous redevelopment agreement that included a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. He said the city now has the opportunity to determine the future of the property while continuing to honor its agreement for the Rays to play at Tropicana Field through the 2028 season, with flexibility to discuss a short-term extension if circumstances require it.
The selected proposals are not final development agreements. City staff will negotiate detailed terms before presenting them to the St. Petersburg City Council for consideration. The Burg Bid proposal will also undergo the city’s Community Benefits Agreement process, which includes additional public input before any final approval.
If approved, the redevelopment would mark the latest effort to transform the Historic Gas Plant District after decades of planning and previous redevelopment attempts. Construction cannot begin until negotiations are complete and the City Council approves final agreements.
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