ST. PETERSBURG - Although residents will not be allowed to speak this afternoon, when the city council decides whether to seek proposals to redevelop Tropicana Field, people will get at least three chances to voice their opinions in the coming months.
The council decided at a workshop this morning to hold public hearings during its regular meetings on Feb. 21, April 10 and May 22 on the Tampa Bay Rays' proposals to replace the domed stadium with a $450 million ballpark on the downtown waterfront.
All three hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m.
The council decided to hold the hearings after some members questioned why no public comment would be taken at its meeting at 3 p.m. today. City staff is recommending the council approve issuing a request for proposals from developers nationwide to make over the 86-acre Tropicana site on the western edge of downtown.
City staff said request for proposals are routine administrative procedures usually not subject to public hearings. Staff members also said the item was scheduled during a part of the meeting when public comment normally is not taken.
Council members and Mayor Rick Baker emphasized they have taken no position on the Rays' proposals, which require regulatory and voter approval. Approval of the request for proposals is for information purposes only and does not mean they support a new stadium, council members said.
"If it's not the right proposal, we're not locked into accepting anything," council member Jeff Danner said.
The city has set up a link to the Rays' proposals on its Web site, ');
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