86 Acres at Tropicana Field: St. Petersburg Opens Survey on Gas Plant District's Future

The Burg Bid, selected to develop the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg, has opened a survey asking residents what they want built across the 86 acres where Tropicana Field now stands. The survey seeks opinions on green space, parkland, and the scale of new construction on the site.

Tropicana Field is scheduled for demolition in two years, ending baseball's run at the stadium. The ballpark hosts its final two seasons before crews begin work on the site. Planning for the district's redevelopment has not yet started in earnest, according to residents who live nearby.

Dianna Zelt said she wants to see more open ground on the property. "It would be lovely, just some trees and some green grass and some parks … or something a little quaint with small buildings. And we have plenty of vendors who would love to go there, so we can walk around," Zelt said. She also wants St. Petersburg's small-town character to carry through the project. "It's huge … because once a decision is made, you can't go backwards," Zelt said.

Afi Holand, who works at a barbershop near the stadium, said he wants less building and more planting. "I would love to see, me personally, less development, more greenery and trees … I think it's important to connect with nature and creation," Holand said. Both Zelt and Holand said the original residents of the Historic Gas Plant district should be part of the conversation. "It's the people who have lived here for a while, and they are also the ones who put money back into our economy," Zelt said.

Holand said the people who lived in the district before its redevelopment should remain central to the planning. "Keep the people in mind, and move with heart … not just with money. Not everything is about the dollar. It's about family, it's about the next generation, it's about youth, and that's really important," Holand said. He said residents should offer their views before any building starts. "We need to speak up and, you know, voice what we would like to see for the future," Holand said.

The survey from The Burg Bid is open now. Tropicana Field's final two seasons of baseball are scheduled before demolition of the stadium.