HGPD Redevelopment: Let’s Plan First!

By Robin Davidov, Social Justice Co-Chair

Your League has been actively engaged in the redevelopment of St. Petersburg’s 82-acre Historic Gas Plant District (HGPD) for several years. As the city once again considers how to proceed, it is worth revisiting how we arrived at this point—and why a “Plan First” approach remains the most responsible path forward.

St. Petersburg designated the HGPD as a blighted Community Redevelopment Area in 1978, razing it over the next decade. Tropicana Field was built in 1990; previous promises to rebuild the neighborhood were never fulfilled. 

In 2018, the city completed a master plan for the area’s redevelopment. Two versions were produced: one that included a new baseball stadium and one that did not. Most importantly, the plan was developed with extensive community participation. The master planners recommended that the city retain control of the land, divide it into parcels, and sell or lease those parcels over time.

Maintaining Control, Maximizing Benefit

Large sites take many years to build out, during which time land values typically increase. By retaining ownership, the city could capture that increased value for taxpayers rather than giving it away up front. Just as importantly, keeping control of the land would help ensure development that maximizes public benefit. Through site-specific zoning and financial controls, the city could require features such as renewable energy, water efficiency, smart stormwater management, ample green space, and other community-driven priorities.

Unfortunately, the recommendations of both the master planners and the community were ignored by the last two administrations. Instead, the city attempted—twice—to turn the entire property over to a single developer.

Unplanned Consequences

The first attempt collapsed when the developer selected by the first mayor was rejected by the second. The second attempt again pursued a single-developer model, this time requiring a new baseball stadium as a condition of redevelopment. That requirement effectively limited eligibility to one entity: the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership group. After two years of negotiations, the Mayor presented a contract to the Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) and the City Council.

While CBAC offered several recommendations, the most consequential were rejected by the Rays. Despite a strongly critical op-ed from the only City Council member who is an attorney, and despite committing approximately $600 million in public tax dollars without allowing taxpayers to vote on the 30-year commitment, the City Council approved the deal by a 5–3 vote. After storm damage from two hurricanes and subsequent funding delays, the Rays withdrew, claiming they were unable to absorb their share of the now-increased costs.

Unsolicited Proposals In the Mix

Now, in January 2026, we find ourselves facing yet another proposal to sell the entire 82-acre site to a single developer. This time it is framed as a competitive bid, but the outcome is the same: winner takes all. Only one bid has been submitted, led by a business team with no demonstrated experience delivering large, complex mixed-use developments. 

Critically, the proposal lacks a clear financial analysis of the costs to the city. Taxpayers are left asking basic questions about exactly who pays for what.

According to state law governing Community Redevelopment Areas, in considering one plan, the city has to also consider proposals by other prospective developers, a month-long process that will begin in early January.

Planning First Enhances Communities

The reality is that many cities across the country have successfully redeveloped large public sites using the “Plan First” model recommended by St. Petersburg’s own master planners in 2018—and now again by our League. We are not alone in this position. In conversations with City Council members, there is growing agreement that once land is sold, the city permanently loses leverage and control.

Public-sector leadership is often what enables long-term, forward-looking investments. Pinellas County has implemented geothermal cooling systems that significantly reduce operating costs over time, and Largo City Hall will soon do the same. The upfront costs of renewable energy systems serve to lower long-term utility expenses for residents and businesses. These kinds of investments are rarely made by private developers whose primary obligation is short-term return.

What You Can Do

Now is the time to act to protect the future of the Historic Gas Plant District and the public value it can generate. Please contact your City Council member and urge them to commit to a “Plan First” approach. Send a concise email such as the message suggested below, with your name and address included, to:  jayne.ohlman@stpete.org. At the top of your email, please write: “Please provide to each City Council member.”

I am a resident, taxpayer, and voter in St. Petersburg. I urge you to pass a resolution pledging that you will not approve any sale or lease of the 82-acre Gas Plant property, or any portion of it, through a developer-driven bidding scheme. I ask you to demand a Plan First approach—not Developer First.  [Your Name and Address]

Thanks for your interest and engagement! If you’d like to stay up to date on Historic Gas Plant District developments and on the activities of  our Social Justice team, simply cc office@lwvspa.org when sending your email.

For a deeper exploration of what thoughtful development can achieve, we encourage you to read a series of blogs by Ron Diner at homerunsmatter.com, available at no cost. Ron, a retired financial executive from Raymond James, examines how good development policy can support the arts, education, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability.