Let’s not get the cart before the horse.
No development until we have a plan for all 86 acres.
We need to get this right.
In my last post, The Gas Plant: Transformative Next Steps for a Great Future, I discussed the many questions we need to answer before we get started. I also outlined what I believe are the essential steps for a successful redevelopment:
- Do nothing without a plan for the whole site
- Do It Ourselves – no RFP – no master developer
- Community engagement
- Learn and plan with the best – outside consultants
- Start developing
- Start Selling
Let’s dig deeper into the first step:
No development until we have a clear community-driven master plan for the entire 86 acres.
As pointed out by speakers at the Tampa Bay Times Spotlight Beyond Baseball, with the Tampa Bay Rays preparing to leave Tropicana Field after the 2028 baseball season, St. Petersburg faces a once-in-a-generation opportunity at the Gas Plant site—the largest redevelopment project in the city’s modern history. But before the first shovel hits the ground, there’s one critical truth we must embrace: we cannot build a great community on guesswork.
This is why no development should start at the Gas Plant site until there’s a comprehensive, community-driven master plan for the entire 86 acres. Here’s why getting the big picture right matters:
Streets, Utilities, and Infrastructure Must Work Together
Before any buildings rise, we need a plan that answers:
- Where will streets and walkways connect?
- How will utilities, stormwater management, and green infrastructure integrate?
- Where will parks, plazas, and public gathering spaces fit into the design?
Why it matters:
Without a coordinated approach, we risk a patchwork of disconnected streets and utilities that cost more to fix later—and hamper our vision of a connected, walkable community.
A Complete Picture of How the Pieces Fit
The Gas Plant site is more than just vacant land; it’s an opportunity to create an inclusive, mixed-use neighborhood with housing, jobs, arts, culture, and green spaces. But we can’t get there unless we understand:
- Parcel sizes and how they’re arranged
- Where affordable housing fits in
- How public spaces and commercial uses complement each other
Why it matters:
A comprehensive site plan ensures that every element—from housing to parks—works in harmony, rather than becoming a disconnected jumble.
Smart Financial Planning Requires the Big Picture
Redeveloping the Gas Plant site is a major financial responsibility—and opportunity. Some parcels in the area have sold for as much as $12 million per acre. But before we talk about selling land or striking deals, we need to know:
- What’s the total infrastructure cost for the entire site?
- How will phasing work to avoid costly delays?
- Where will revenue be reinvested—to support affordable housing, parks, and community programs?
Why it matters:
A whole-site plan helps St. Petersburg maximize community benefits and avoid expensive mistakes.
The Community Deserves to See—and Help Shape—the Vision
The Gas Plant site isn’t just about buildings. It’s about restoring trust and opportunity for families and communities displaced decades ago. It’s about creating a place where everyone—Black residents, young families, small business owners, artists—can see themselves in the future of St. Petersburg.
Why it matters:
- A transparent process with a Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
- A clear vision that residents can understand, critique, and help shape
Without a plan, people are left in the dark—and left out.
Phasing Needs a Map
Even if the city wants to start small, every phase must fit into the bigger picture:
- How will the first block connect with future streets and sidewalks?
- How will utilities align with long-term plans?
- How will each phase build momentum toward a thriving neighborhood?
Why it matters:
Early investments must set the stage for success, not create roadblocks for future growth.
Let’s Pause, Plan, and Build It Right
The Gas Plant site represents a historic chance to shape St. Petersburg’s future. No need to rush. Let’s invest in a comprehensive, community-driven master plan for the entire 86 acres. Then—and only then—can we confidently start building a thriving, equitable, and sustainable neighborhood for everyone.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore what goes into creating that all-important master plan—and how St. Pete can lead the way.
