The public is invited to attend an upcoming Community Benefits Information Session for the community benefits associated with the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N.
ST. PETERSBURG — City of St. Petersburg residents are encouraged to save the dates for several opportunities to provide public input on community benefits for the Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment project, including a $50 million commitment to intentional equity.
The public is invited to attend an upcoming Community Benefits Information Session for the community benefits associated with the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N.
A formal public notice and meeting details will follow. On Dec. 13, the public will have the opportunity to learn specifically about the proposed community benefits directly from the Hines Historic Gas Plant Partnership. Details on how the public can provide input on this portion of the project are forthcoming.
In Jan. 2024, the Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC) begins its process to advise Mayor Ken Welch, city council and the citizens of St. Pete on the community benefits associated with the Historic Gas Plant Redevelopment. A series of CBAC meetings held on Tuesdays in January will allow for public comment: Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30.
For more information on CBAC, visit stpete.org/cbac.
What are community benefits?
Community benefits are programs or activities that provide treatment and/or promote health and healing in response to community needs.
The proposed community benefits associated with the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment include affordable and workforce housing, public open space, sustainability efforts, public parking, transportation improvements, small business, minority-owned businesses, and women-owned business participation, and a $50 million intentional equity commitment.
Included in the $50 million intentional equity commitment are:
- Housing: $15 million is dedicated to existing City of St. Petersburg programs that support housing opportunities at a wide range of affordability levels.
- Small business: $13 million is dedicated to supporting business incubation, ownership, and placement opportunities on the site, focusing on minority/women-owned businesses and current South St. Petersburg residents and businesses.
- Employment: $3.75 million is committed to internships and mentorship/apprentice programs leading to job placement during the construction phase, as well as small business ownership and employment opportunities during the ongoing operation of the site.
- Education: $17.5 million is dedicated to financial investments supporting currently operating educational programs in south St. Petersburg, from daycare and early learning to postsecondary, vocational, technical and STEM programs. The proposed Booker Music Hall venue will be realized as part of the project’s commitment to education, youth development and the arts. The investment also integrates community, cultural, and civic uses, including the construction of the new Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
- Outreach: $750,000 will fund outreach that brings the community together through a thoughtful, inclusive process, including online tools, public town halls and community and youth steering committees. A welcome center will also be erected on the site to serve as a resource for local residents and businesses to connect to opportunities.
The Hines Historic Gas Plant Partnership will also honor the legacy of the Historic Gas Plant Site by working with the community to name project components to incorporate historic souvenirs, art and design features, including new connections and enhancements to the African American Heritage Trail.
Click here for more information on the Historic Gas Plant District Redevelopment.
