St. Petersburg requires developers who receive money from the city to provide community services

NS. PETERSBURG – The city council on Thursday approved a “community performance agreement” requiring developers who receive significant city funding to reinvest in the community.

Depending on the amount of funds received, requirements may include building new affordable housing or housing for workers or paying into a fund for these projects, paying into a fund to improve local schools and renovating historic buildings, and providing vocational training. Developers would also have to hold public meetings to get input on their projects.

Related: St. Petersburg City Council is making progress on community services agreement

Applause broke out among the residents gathered in the town hall after the council members passed the agreement with 7-0 votes. Member Deborah Figgs-Sanders was absent, but she is a longtime supporter of the idea and City Secretary Chan Srinivasa read out a statement on her behalf.

“Today we are in a significant place in the history of our city to become a more diverse, inclusive and progressive city,” Figgs-Sanders said in the statement.

Council chairman Ed Montanari said he still had some concerns and asked urban development officials several questions about the agreement but voted in favor.

Councilor Robert Blackmon said he had “many concerns” about the idea initially but got around to developing it. Darden Rice, who asked questions about the proposal’s unspecific language earlier this month, praised the deal on Thursday.

“The merits are simple, well-founded, and overdue,” said Rice.

The St. Petersburg NAACP President Esther Eugene also praised the agreement.

“We know that a collaborative achievement agreement supports equality, inclusion and allies,” said Eugene.

Former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, a candidate for mayor, called the deal “an important step in ensuring equitable development as our city grows and moves forward.”

City council members Lisa Wheeler-Bowman and Brandi Gabbard, city council candidates Richie Floyd and Mhariel Summers, and Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin were in favor.

The requirements apply to development and redevelopment projects that cost $ 2 million or more and receive city funding at 20 percent or more of their cost, or $ 10 million regardless of the cost. Projects that receive more city funding would place higher demands on the developers.

Some projects would be excluded, including some involving affordable housing. However, the agreement states that the Tropicana Field remediation project is not eligible for exceptions.

Councilor Gina Driscoll urged those gathered at City Hall to view the deal as a start.

“When these projects are pending, the city council has yet to approve them,” said Driscoll. “Then we need your vote, we need your vote every time, so that we can ensure that this directive achieves the goal that we all set ourselves today.”

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