St. Petersburg council approves master plan work for Trails Crossing park under I‑275, 7‑1

St. Petersburg city council on March 5 approved a resolution allowing the city to execute agreements to create a master plan for Trails Crossing, a proposed cultural park and trail connection under I‑275, passing the item 7‑1 with Councilmember Vic Sanders voting no.

The master plan will guide design, phased implementation, and long‑term maintenance for the four‑block stretch roughly between First Avenue North and Third Avenue South under I‑275. "Trails Crossing is a community‑initiated request for a concept that transforms and improves underutilized land under I‑275 to connect the Pinellas Trail with adjacent districts," Cheryl Stacks, the city’s transportation manager, said during the presentation to council.

The plan will be produced by a consultant after the city completed a solicitation for architecture and engineering services; Land Design Inc. was identified as the most qualified firm and will deliver data collection, community engagement, design workshops, and a draft and final master plan. As presented, the city and the nonprofit Friends of Trails Crossing will each contribute up to $150,000 toward the…