During a recent city council meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding housing and youth programs, emphasizing the need for reparations for those displaced by development projects. Jelisa Blackshear, a resident of Palmetto Park, highlighted the necessity of establishing a restitution fund for descendants of the gas plant district, arguing that such a fund would ensure ongoing support for future generations.

Blackshear criticized the proposed $100 million deal related to the redevelopment project, questioning the allocation of funds and expressing skepticism about the commitment of $50 million to minority business enterprises. She urged the council to ensure that any financial benefits from the deal directly support the affected communities rather than being absorbed into the general fund.

Another speaker, Karen Mueller, representing the Dream Defenders, echoed these sentiments, stressing the critical need for affordable housing in St. Petersburg. She described the city's current trajectory as increasingly detrimental to residents, particularly as housing costs rise. Mueller condemned the council's push to expedite the deal with developers, arguing that it prioritizes real estate interests over the needs of the community.

Both speakers called for a more thoughtful approach to development that genuinely considers the voices and needs of St. Petersburg residents, particularly those most impacted by ongoing changes in the city. The discussions reflect a growing demand for accountability and community-focused solutions in local governance.