St. Petersburg City Council sets Rays stadium discussion for May
The St. Petersburg City Council has set tentative dates to discuss terms of the deal for the Tampa Bay Rays to build a new stadium and redevelop Tropicana Field into the Historic Gas Plant District at two workshops in May.
Spokesperson Erica Riggins confirmed Tuesday that May 9 and 23 are target dates for workshops for the council to discuss the details. One meeting will focus on the stadium and the other on the greater Gas Plant redevelopment, which would include the sale of about 65 acres of public land.
Council member Ed Montanari in February sought those meetings, which were unanimously supported by his colleagues. The request required the city to provide all documents for the two presentations at least two weeks in advance. Financing is a highlighted topic for both meetings.
A vote on those documents is expected to take place after those meetings. Five votes are needed to make the project a go on the city’s side, which includes $287.5 million for the stadium, $150 million for things like surrounding roads and sewers and the sale of public land.
The Pinellas County Commission also needs to hold a vote on whether to contribute $312.5 million in tourist tax money toward construction of the stadium. It’s not clear which vote will take place first.
The City Council’s summer break runs from June 14 through July 7.
Times staff writer Jack Evans contributed to this report.
