Councilmember Brandi Gabbard said the city, not private developers, should lead the process.
“I’d rather have the city steer this than the private sector. That seems like good government, good business,” she said. “It is the city’s land. It is the people’s land.”
Some councilmembers suggested bringing in the Urban Land Institute to study the best path forward, though Gabbard said a new master plan may not be necessary.
Additionally, Councilmember Lisset Hanewicz added that without an imminent stadium deadline, the city has time to do things right.
“We were rushed because it had to be done by a certain timeframe [due to the Rays’ lease],” she said. “Well, the Rays don’t have a new stadium. The world has not ended.”
Councilmembers ultimately agreed that a new property appraisal should be completed before negotiations begin with any development team.
Staff also reiterated that once a preferred development team is chosen and a term sheet is reached, the city will require a Community Benefits Agreement, ensuring commitments to affordable housing, workforce programs, and infrastructure investments.
As the city prepares to reopen the process for a third time, both the administration and City Council say the goal is unchanged: to find the right long-term partner to transform the acres of asphalt around Tropicana Field into a thriving, community-focused neighborhood.