Council approves referral for ULI Tampa Bay study on historic gas plant site
Summary
Council agreed to refer a proposal from ULI Tampa Bay to a committee for review of redevelopment options at the historic gas plant site; council members and local business leaders urged a neutral, city‑led planning process and discussed cost-sharing for the roughly $135,000 study.
St. Petersburg city council voted on Oct. 16 to refer discussion of a proposed Urban Land Institute (ULI) Tampa Bay advisory services study of the historic gas plant site to the Housing, Land Use and Transportation Committee (or other appropriate committee) to consider the scope and funding of a city‑led planning process.
Context: Council member Brandy Gabbard asked for the referral seeking a neutral third-party analysis of the 85-acre historic gas plant property and potential redevelopment options that align with city goals. The ULI proposal, as discussed during public comment, would bring ULI panels of national real-estate and land-use experts to review the site and recommend development approaches. Jason Mathis of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and David Hugglestone of WJ Architects told council that ULI panels can add value and that participation could be coordinated with the administration and local stakeholders.
Why the referral: Gabbard said the study would give city council independent, experienced guidance separate from unsolicited master‑developer proposals and would be relatively inexpensive compared with the land value—about $135,000 according to materials cited in council discussion. She proposed that the study be funded collaboratively by the city and local partners so the city does not shoulder the full cost.
Administration and council remarks: Administration indicated it was not currently engaged with ULI but would participate if the committee referral moves forward. Council members emphasized a desire to understand infrastructure and service needs (for example fire, roads and parking) before choosing a development path. Council member Mike Harding and Vice Chair Hanowitz urged that basic city-service requirements and the site’s role in the city be evaluated before larger design or land-use decisions.
Action: Council voted unanimously to refer the topic to committee for further study and discussion, including possible collaborative funding. The referral request included a suggestion that the committee explore a funding model that shares costs with local partners and stakeholders.
