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St. Petersburg Council votes 6–2 for 'plan‑first' approach to Historic Gas Plant District
Summary
The City Council passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to complete a city‑led planning framework for the Historic Gas Plant District before selecting or advancing a developer; supporters said a master plan will protect descendants and public value, while opponents warned the pause could delay jobs and risk parcel‑by‑parcel sales.
St. Petersburg City Council on Feb. 5 approved a nonbinding resolution asking city administration to pursue a planning‑first framework for the Historic Gas Plant District and to pause any selection, negotiation or advancement of a developer until that planning work is complete. The resolution passed 6–2, with Council Members Deborah Fick Sanders and Hopley Girdis voting no.
Council Member Brandy Gabbard (District 2), who introduced the resolution, said the measure was aimed at ensuring the city 'gets it right' for one of its largest remaining public assets and that the effort should center community stakeholders, descendants and clear guiding principles. "This is not about slowing down. This is about leveling up," Gabbard said, urging a professionalized, short planning engagement that could be completed in as little as six months.
Why it matters: The Gas Plant site—referred to in the record at times as an 82‑acre or an 86‑acre property—has drawn…
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