July 19th 2024.
According to a recent report from NBC News, the mayor of St. Petersburg is determined to address long-standing racial injustices through an exciting new project involving a new ballpark. As the Tampa Bay Rays continue their search for a new home, this ambitious redevelopment plan in Florida's St. Petersburg could be just what they're looking for. Not only would this $6.5 billion project bring a fresh and vibrant look to an 86-acre area in the downtown neighborhood, but it would also secure a permanent home for the Major League Baseball team for the next three decades.
But this project is about more than just baseball. Along with the new ballpark, there are plans for affordable housing, a Black history museum, a hotel, green spaces, entertainment venues, as well as office and retail spaces. This will not only beautify the area, but it will also create thousands of new jobs for the community. And for Mayor Ken Welch, who happens to be the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, this project is also a step towards righting the wrongs that have plagued the city for far too long.
At the moment, the Tampa Bay Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field. However, the dome's expansive parking lots were once part of the Historic Gas Plant District, a thriving Black community that was forced to relocate to make way for the stadium and an interstate highway. As a result, Tropicana Field currently has the lowest attendance among all 30 MLB ballparks. But with the proposed new $1.3 billion ballpark, which would have 30,000 seats and is expected to be ready for the 2028 season, Mayor Welch hopes to change that.
In a letter released in September 2023, Mayor Welch spoke passionately about his commitment to uplifting residents from all parts of St. Petersburg, stating that this project will create dynamic growth and bring numerous benefits to the region. These include more jobs, affordable and workforce housing, top-notch educational and cultural facilities, office and community spaces, green spaces, and significant economic development opportunities for local and minority-owned businesses. He believes this project will be a game-changer for the people who live, work, and visit St. Petersburg.
The mayor also shared a personal connection to the project, explaining that he used to live in the Gas Plant neighborhood, and his family was uprooted over 40 years ago with the promise of better economic opportunities. Now, he sees this as a chance to fulfill those promises and preserve the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant.
As the Tampa Bay Rays face an uncertain future, the final decision rests with the Pinellas County Commission, who will vote on whether the new ballpark will become their permanent home. For the city to bring this vision to life, they will need to invest approximately $417.5 million, including $287.5 million for the ballpark itself and $130 million for infrastructure to support the larger redevelopment plan. However, the city is confident that this can be achieved without the need for new or increased taxes.
Meanwhile, the Pinellas County Commission, which currently has the deciding power, has pledged to contribute $312.5 million towards the ballpark costs. They plan to fund this through a bed tax, primarily paid by tourists. The final vote on this plan is scheduled for July 30.
In related news, a recent historic MLB game paid tribute to the late Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues, further highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of Black communities and individuals in the world of sports. This new project in St. Petersburg is yet another step towards achieving that goal.
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