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Residents urge St. Petersburg council to require appraisal, master plan before gas‑plant solicitations
Summary
At the Nov. council meeting residents, civic groups and technical witnesses urged the city to pause a short procurement window for the historic gas‑plant site and require an appraisal, public‑benefit analysis and master plan before accepting developer proposals.
City of St. Petersburg officials heard a stream of public comments calling for more planning and transparency before the city solicits developers for the historic gas‑plant site. Residents and civic groups told council that proceeding on a short notice schedule risks legal challenge and understates required public‑interest analysis.
Ron Donner, a resident and legal adviser, told the council the mayor cannot "legally initiate this 30‑day process without you," citing Florida Statute 163.38 and arguing the city must first have a contract, pricing and an appraisal in hand before running the statutorily required notice period. "You cannot begin the process… without the actual contract in front of you," Donner said, urging the body to make the fair‑value determination itself.
Robin Davidov, representing the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg area, and other speakers from neighborhood and faith groups echoed that request. "Issuing an RFP before a community‑based master plan is complete would in effect delegate or diminish that core responsibility," Davidov said, urging the council to "plan first" and obtain an independent appraisal and public benefits analysis.
City administration responded that it was already extending the public‑notice window. James Corbett, City Development administration staff, said the city originally announced a 60‑day period and has moved to provide a total of 105 days for alternative proposals and public notice; he said the administration does not intend to issue a separate RFP and believes additional time and prior public input reduce the need for a new, separate procurement. "We are now going to have a total period of 105 days," Corbett told council.
Council members said they would continue the conversation. Several members and community advocates said they want an independent appraisal and additional planning (including a ULI‑style study) before the council considers a final agreement. Staff said an appraisal will be ordered as part of the process; timing for completion was described as likely January–February, after proposals are publicly solicited.
Next steps: administration has announced the longer notice window; council members signaled support for further public‑benefit planning and requested staff return with details on appraisals and potential master‑planning support in forthcoming committee discussions.
