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Residents and activists press St. Petersburg council on transparency and troubled rentals
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to address alleged public-records obstruction and landlord neglect at several rental properties, including calls to explore city purchase of The Morgan to prevent further displacement.
Brad Falbo, a resident who identified his address on record, used the open-forum time to criticize what he called inconsistent public-records practices and fees, saying the city’s approach discouraged lawful requests. “You will be receiving another lawsuit from me,” Falbo said, alleging the city had withheld records, charged shifting fees and redacted file names on security grounds.
Tenants and advocates followed with specific housing complaints. William Kilgore of the St. Pete Tenants Union described conditions at The Morgan — water shutoffs and alleged landlord neglect — and urged the council to consider municipal acquisition rather than allow the property to pass to another corporate landlord. “At the very least, we need to be doing more to assist these tenants,” Kilgore said.
Other speakers echoed concerns about displacement and affordability. Patrick Rainey said out-of-state landlords prioritize profits over resident needs and called on the council to intervene. Jason Scott asked the council to press the public utilities department about a delayed RFP and also voiced support for Morgan tenants.
City staff did not offer an immediate policy response during open forum. The public-comments portion concluded with the chair thanking speakers and moving on to reports and agenda business. The meeting record shows no formal vote or directive tied to a city purchase of The Morgan during this session; speakers asked the council to consider options and to step in where private ownership is failing.
