St. Petersburg City Council Meeting: April 18, 2024

The St. Petersburg City Council met on April 18, 2024, to address routine approvals, public comments, a street co-naming, a park expansion, a street vacation ordinance, and a referral for short-term rental regulation. The meeting opened with an invocation by Rabbi Philip Weintraub, a moment of silence for former Governor Bob Graham, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda unanimously (motion by Councilmember Hanowitz, second by Councilmember Montanari).
• The consent agenda included routine approvals such as warrants and other administrative items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rays/Heinz Stadium Deal (Open Forum): Ten speakers addressed the proposed Rays/Heinz stadium redevelopment of the Gas Plant District. Multiple speakers expressed strong opposition, arguing the deal is a "monumental rip off" of public resources (e.g., Ron Diner, Carrie Mueller, Lynn Wilkinson, Jeremy). Key concerns included: the $1.6 billion public subsidy vs. $5 billion in needed water/sewer/stormwater infrastructure repairs; insufficient affordable housing (calls for 60-80% AMI guarantees and more than 1,000 units on-site); the discounted land value; and prioritization of stadium over pressing city needs. Some speakers voiced conditional support (e.g., Ryan Ellenberg, Tara Hubbard) citing economic growth, talent attraction, and historic acknowledgment, but still emphasized the need for fair terms, community benefits, and housing guarantees. The Sierra Club (Michael McGrath) called for net-positive building standards, climate resiliency, microgrids, a 50-foot buffer along Booker Creek with native vegetation, and increased affordable housing beyond 10%.
• Street Co-Naming (J2 - Curtis Long Avenue): Pastor Elizabeth Siplin spoke in support of co-naming Urbana Avenue South between Yale Street and 24th Street as "Curtis Long Avenue South," honoring the late Reverend Curtis Long and his wife Alice Long. She highlighted his 33-year leadership at New Faith Free Methodist Church and his profound community impact.
• Harbordale Park (F1): Franklin Alves, a neighbor, spoke in favor of the city purchasing the property at 127 42nd Avenue S to expand Harbordale Park, citing safety and security improvements.

Discussion Items

• Good News Report – Harbordale Park Purchase (F1): Community Enrichment Administrator Mike Jeffers presented a proposal to purchase a residential property (9,600 sq. ft.) adjacent to Harbordale Park. The property currently obstructs the park entrance, creates sight-line and safety issues, and deters appropriate park use. The plan includes demolition, sodding, irrigation, signage, and tree plantings to integrate the lot into the park. Councilmember Driscoll co-sponsored. Councilmember Montaneri and the neighbor spoke in strong support, noting the rare opportunity to expand parkland in a built-out city. The item was approved unanimously.
• Short-Term Rental Regulations (G1): Councilmember Hanowitz introduced a new business item to refer discussion to the Public Services & Infrastructure Committee on exploring the city’s ability to issue super fines and establish a short-term rental registry. Councilmember Floyd co-sponsored. Councilmember Gabbert noted that state legislation (Senator DeSigley's bill) may be vetoed and requested the committee discussion be delayed until the governor's action is known. Councilmember Montaneri questioned the bill's status; staff clarified the governor has not signed it yet. The motion to refer passed unanimously, with understanding it will not be scheduled until after the governor's decision.
• Street Vacation Ordinance (E1): Ordinance 1166-V was introduced to vacate 9,723 sq. ft. of 42nd Street South in Fairmont Park. The public hearing was set for May 2, 2024. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Street Co-Naming (J2): Resolution approved unanimously to co-name Urbana Avenue South as Curtis Long Avenue South.
• Harbordale Park Purchase (F1): Approved unanimously to purchase the property at 127 42nd Avenue S for park expansion.
• Street Vacation (E1): Approved unanimously to vacate a portion of 42nd Street South.
• Short-Term Rental Discussion (G1): Referred to the Public Services & Infrastructure Committee with the caveat that discussion will wait until the governor acts on the related state bill.
• **No votes were taken on the Rays/Heinz stadium deal; it was discussed only during public comment.